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MYRTLE C. TALLMAN 



The Traveling Trio 



By Myrtle Catherine Tallman 



Copyright, 1908 



LINCOLN, NEBR. 

The Woodruff-Collins Press 

1908 






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AUG 8 ^08 

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DEDICATION. 

To the busy, hard-working 
railroad employees, who always 
found time to perform an act of 
kindness when they came in 
contact with the authoress and 
her companions, do I sincerely 
dedicate this volume. 

Myrtle C. Tallman. 




RUTH TALLMAN 



INTRODUCTION. 

|i||HE one thing that will impress the 

Pill reader of the following pages is the fact 
that the writer, a helpless invalid, has 
scarcely revealed that fact at all. If 
she had not referred to her "rolling chair" 
perhaps one would have wondered why she 
rode in the baggage car or on the rear plat- 
form of the caboose whenever compelled to 
travel by "accommodation train". 

If those who read the book could know the 
circumstances of the heroic life of the author 
I am sure that they would be stirred up to 
such a pitch of enthusiasm as would carry 
them through any periods of depression or 
discouragement which might come their way. 
If with her affliction and limitations she can 
live self-forgetfully and minister, in the least 
degree, to the cheery disposition, then I am 
sure that no one need become despondent. 

This world needs more members in its "sun- 
shine band" and welcomes any who may seek 
admission thereto, but especially when one 
who might be expected to be a debtor appears 
as a creditor there is the greatest cause for 
rejoicing. 



6 The Traveling Trio 

Myrtle Catherine Tallman has made who- 
ever reads this book a debtor to the Gospel of 
Cheer, for herein she has proven her right to 
be counted among the apostles of sunshine 
sometimes called "Cheer-up-o-dists". 

Aside from these considerations the story 
of "The Traveling Trio" is full of interest. It 
was indeed a courageous undertaking and in 
line with the heroic qualities in this brave life. 

The lesson taught is doubly impressive 
coming through such a teacher. Miss Tall- 
man has been a resident of this town some 
three years, during which time I have had the 
pleasure of her acquaintance. 

Occasionally she has attended our church 
services which she always appears to enjoy, 
but she is a member of a sister church. How- 
ever it is a real pleasure to contribute even a 
small token of appreciation to a life of such 
sterling worth. Wm. J. Brient. 

The Methodist Parsonage, 
Genoa, Nebraska. 
May, 1908. 




The Traveling Trio 



A GLIMPSE OF NEBRASKA. 

||||S|EFORE unfolding our western trip 
fpliSIr let me tell you something about the 
j|Pl|l prosperous state of Nebraska, in which 
iiillll I have lived since babyhood. 

Now do not yawn and lay the book aside 
with the impression that you are face to face 
with a lengthy article on climate, cultivation, 
and productions. 

To some the following lines may prove of 
no interest because they are already familiar 
with the facts quoted therein, while others 
may fancy it too practical for their perusal; 
yet the latter, if they turn the pages unread, 
will undoubtedly miss a few items of informa- 
tion. 



8 The Traveling Trio 

Some years ago I remember reading an 
amusing incident written by a gentleman in 
New York City. 

It was a dreary day in winter, the snow- 
flakes were rapidly descending and the tem- 
perature was very low. A party of poorly 
clad newsboys were huddled together in 
the shelter of the postoffice with their 
papers held securely; they waited in vain for 
a lull in the storm. 

Finally the bravest of the number leaped 
from the steps into the fury of the storm with 
these words of determination and courage, 
" Let's tackle the dread.' J It would certainly 
be a good motto for the rest of us who fre- 
quently hesitate in doing that which is 
unpleasant. 

When a child I well remember how I looked 
with disfavor on piecrust, ofttimes it would 
have remained uneaten if my parents had 
permitted such an act. If the pie had been 
constructed without crust it would have 
pleased me much better, but as it was I soon 
learned that the inevitable margin of the pie 
could be semi-enjoyed if eaten first. 

Hence I preface the contents of this book 
with what may seem a crust to some of you 



The Traveling Trio 9 

It is composed of solid matter which I trust 
will be interesting as well as instructive. 

Just remember the newsboys and tackle the 
dread by disposing of the crust in the most 
profitable manner. 

Nebraska, the corn-crowned state of the 
middle west, is four hundred and thirteen 
miles in length and two hundred and eight 
miles in width. 

It is called the black water state because of 
its muddy streams, only one of which is nav- 
igable. This is the Missouri River extending 
across the eastern side of Nebraska. 

The principal portion consists of high 
prairie lands which were originally covered 
with buffalo grass, but in the eastern part the 
blue grass and cultivated grasses have now 
taken its place, though the buffalo grass still 
covers large areas in the western part. 

Nebraska is considered a healthful state 
because of the elevation and the clear dry 
atmosphere. 

The leading industry is agriculture, the 
soil in the eastern part being adapted to vege- 
tation while the western section is rapidly 
developing under irrigation. The chief pro- 
ductions are corn, alfalfa, chicory and sugar 
beets. The soil and climate are especially 



10 The Traveling Trio 

adapted to the culture of the latter, therefore 
the sugar beet industry has become one of 
importance. 

The industrial pursuit second to agricul- 
ture is stock-raising. Nebraska ranks among 
the prominent meat-producing states of the 
west, a large portion of it being especially 
adapted to grazing. 

Fruit-raising is also one of the chief indus- 
tries of the state. The apple yields the largest 
crop, although plums, peaches and smaller 
fruits are being raised with great success. 

Nebraska's minerals consist of limestone, 
sandstone, coal, potter's clay, salt, red free 
stone and some iron. Near Lincoln is a salt 
basin twelve miles in width and twenty-five 
miles in length. 

The manufactures of the state are tanned 
goods, soap, beet-sugar, tobacco products, 
earthen ware, spirituous liquors, clothing, 
woolen goods, machinery and agricultural 
implements. 

The number of periodicals published is 
six hundred and twenty-five; among these 
there are five hundred and thirty weeklies 
and forty dailies. 

In 1900 the state had a population of one 
million, sixty-eight thousand, five hundred 



The Traveling Trio 11 

thirty-nine. This includes a colored popula- 
tion of nine thousand, seven hundred seventy- 
four or nine per cent of which six-thousand 
two hundred sixty-nine are negroes and three 
thousand and five hundred five are Indians. 

Of all the states in the Union Nebraska 
claims the lowest rate of illiteracy, which is 
certainly a credit to the state. 

In Nebraska City is situated the beautiful 
home of Sterling Morton who died in 1902. 
It will be remembered he was the originator 
of Arbor Day which is celebrated in the state 
on April 22. 

In every town and city the public high 
schools are maintained and the entire system 
of education is generously supported by 
state appropriations and taxation. Besides 
the state university, and two state normals, 
there are twelve other private colleges and 
normals and sixty public schools where 
normal training is given those who wish to 
teach. 

There are also adequate institutions for 
higher education and for benevolent, charit- 
able and correctional purposes. 

The state university takes the lead, it is 
situated in Lincoln, the capital city. The 
attendance aggregates one thousand six hun- 



12 The Traveling Trio 

dred. Their library consists of forty-five 
thousand volumes. 

The university has the following depart- 
ments, — law, medicine, engineering, arts and 
sciences, agriculture and fine arts and an ad- 
equate system of courses. 

Among the many excellent educational 
institutions are the private and denomina- 
tional establishments, viz., University of 
Omaha; Belle vue ; Union College, College View; 
Cotner University, Bethany; Doane College, 
Crete; Creighton University, Omaha; Gates 
College, Neligh; Fairfield College, Fairfield; 
Wesleyan University, University Place ; York 
College, York. 



The Traveling Trio 13 




OUR TRIP. 

|N the spring of 1905, while composing 
my last booklet of poems, if someone 
had told me that dainty brochure of 
twenty pages would prove a magic 
tapestry on which three girls would be borne 
safely half way across the continent, I would 
certainly have laughed at their prophecy. 
The idea that such an improbable thing could 
occur would have been very amusing, but 
within six months after completing "Crumbs 
of Thought" the unexpected happened, the 
seemingly impossible came to pass. 

This shows there are often great possibili- 
ties in small things, but most of us push 
blindly on in hopes of obtaining the largest 
and best, while the very prize we seek lies 
concealed in the small things around us. 

As great oaks from little acorns grow, so do 
great achievements frequently spring from 
our persevering, undaunted little efforts which 
seem of no importance. 

In our tour we had planned to see some- 
thing of Iowa and Minnesota, the states which 



14 The Traveling Trio 

we had never entered on previous trips, taken 
in the interest of my first publications. 

Finally the new book came from the press, 
the sewing and packing were completed and 
the day set for our departure arrived. 

It was a beautiful afternoon on July 20th, 
when sister Ruth and I bade farewell to home 
and friends in Tecumseh, Nebraska. 

Before continuing, let me tell you some- 
thing about the place mentioned. 

It is a pretty little city of three thousand 
inhabitants, the county seat of Johnson county 
situated in the garden spot of the state with- 
in fifty miles of Lincoln, which is the capital 
city of Nebraska. 

Tecumseh has frequently been called the 
Forest City by travelers, because of the numer- 
ous trees to be seen along the streets and 
surrounding the many comfortable homes. 
It is undoubtedly one of the best little cities 
in Nebraska on account of its fine churches, 
excellent schools and the good class of people 
who reside there. 

The first place in which we stopped was 
Sterling, a thriving little town about fourteen 
miles from home; we spent several pleasant 
days there visiting friends whom we had not 
seen for some time. On the morning of the 



The Traveling Trio 15 

fourth our friend Dera joined us in Sterl- 
ing, as expected, and the rest of the day was 
spent in canvassing for my book, with satisfac- 
tory results. 

The next morning we arose early in order 
to take the 4:30 train for Adams. After a 
hasty toilet by lamplight, and a brisk walk of 
six blocks through the quiet, sleeping town, 
we found the train was quite late; there was 
nothing to do after purchasing the tickets and 
checking the baggage, but wait in the depot, 
or stroll up and down the platform. 

I preferred the latter for to me it is grand to 
be out of doors at early dawn, when the world 
is wrapped in sweet tranquility. How inspir- 
ing to watch the eastern sky as it waxes pale 
and then blushes at the sun's approach, while 
feathered songsters awaken with dreamy 
twitter which suddenly bursts forth with ex- 
hilarating praises to their Maker. 

Finally there was a low rumble in the dis- 
tance, followed by a hoarse whistle and soon 
our belated train rolled slowly up to the 
station. 

About thirty minutes later we arrived in 
Adams in sufficient time to do a little plum- 
ing before breakfast was served. 

The manager of this hotel was a good Chris- 



16 The Traveling Trio 

tian young man, whom we had met the pre- 
vious summer, hence our brief lay off in 
Adams was a pleasant one. 

A few days after our departure from home 
a great thought entered my mind which I 
mentioned to a friend when the girls were out 
of hearing. She smiled at the idea, and said, 
"It is a great undertaking but I believe you 
are equal to it." 

The matter dropped until we reached Adams, 
then the thought returned and I unfolded it 
to the girls. They liked the idea and were 
eager to undertake it. Thus it happened that 
our plans were altered, instead of going north- 
east as intended, we changed our course in 
the opposite direction. 

The Pacific Coast was our destination, a 
visit to relatives in Oregon was the idea, and 
we intended to pay all our expenses from the 
proceeds of my little book, which we expected 
to sell along our route. 

After I had selected the following motto, 
"Push on, do your best, and trust in God," 
we started west with very little money, but an 
nfinite supply of courage. 

Not wishing to give our parents unnecessary 
worry and fearing they might for some reason 
or other try to prevent the development of 



The Traveling Trio 17 

our plan, we decided not to inform them of 
of our intended trip until we were at least out 
of Nebraska. 

The afternoon train bore our little party to 
Hickman, where we had quite a time finding 
a desirable place to stop for the night. Many 
of the private places we were referred to were 
full, while others could give us a room on the 
second floor, but as I objected to the ascent, 
being perfectly satisfied to remain on a lower 
plane where fire escapes were unnecessary, we 
were forced as the last resort, to a second 
class hotel whose boarders were mostly work- 
ing men, many of whom passed their spare 
time playing cards in the office, or using pro- 
fane language on the front porch. 

The hotel was not crowded and it happened 
we were given the same room occupied by us 
the previous summer. 

A lady friend called that evening and cordi- 
ally invited us to spend the following day 
with her. We gladly accepted the invitation 
although the next morning was dark and 
rainy. 

Our friend was a young married woman 
with two sweet children, who assisted their 
mother in entertaining us. 



18 The Traveling Trio 

The girls managed to sell a few books be- 
tween showers and we boarded the afternoon 
train for Milford, with nought but pleasant 
memories of the day spent in Hickman. 

About forty minutes later, with much 
whistling and ringing of bell, our train entered 
the city of Lincoln, where we had twenty 
minutes in which to change cars. 

A number of passenger trains were lined up 
on both sides of the depot, but we had little 
trouble in pushing through the crowd to 
where our train stood. 

After a brief interval of time, we started on 
our way to Milford with the first and only 
ungentlemanly baggage-master we ever had 
the misfortune to travel with. 

At 6 :20 we reached Milford, or I should say, 
we arrived at the depot, which is a mile from 
the town. 

Ruth and I had been in Milford before, so 
inquiries pertaining to the town were unneces- 
sary. 

We followed a good broad walk, which 
led us for some distance through a pictur- 
esque woodsy place and across the bridge, 
which spanned the deep Blue River. 

In this quiet, secluded spot several persons 
had at different times been coolly requested 



The Traveling Trio 19 

to hand over their valuables. Hence the 
bridge was adorned with placards warning 
the travelers against possible hold-ups. 

After leaving this spot, we passed many 
prett}^ homes and a large flour mill, before 
coming to the business part of the town. 

The hotel in which we sought a night's lodg- 
ing had no unoccupied bedroom on the first 
floor, but the kind, motherly landlady offered 
us the roomy parlor, which contained a com- 
fortable folding bed. 

Just as the prayer-meeting bells rang out 
through the twilight, we removed our hats, 
preparatory to a good night's rest; but be- 
tween the intense heat and the frequent trips 
to the water pitcher, our night proved a rest- 
less one. 

Milford is quite a pleasure resort during the 
summer months, because of the beautiful 
camping places and the fine fish to be caught 
in the river. 

We found the town a poor field for canvass- 
ing, the people' s excuse for not purchasing was, 
that the college students from Lincoln were 
continually canvassing the town threadbare; 
but we were inclined to think this was merely 
an excuse. If the students' first canvass had 
proved as successful as ours, they would cer- 



20 The Traveling Trio 

tainly have considered it a waste of shoe- 
leather to make the second attempt. 

A humorous old gentleman boarding at our 
hotel, said, while speaking of someone he 
knew, "One consolation, they can't take their 
money with them when they leave this world, 
if they did, it would undoubtedly melt." 

We reached Seward the following eve after 
sun-down and were fortunate in securing the 
same comfortable room in the hotel we had 
the previous summer. 

Seward is a very pretty town, laid out on a 
level tract of land with fine business buildings, 
residences and shade trees. 

At noon we took the westbound train for 
York, a beautiful little city with many paved 
streets and up-to-date residences, to say 
nothing of the educational buildings and the 
business part of the town; it was the first 
place on our trip that Ruth and I had not 
previously visited. 

We obtained board with a private family 
within one block of the B. & M. depot. It 
was one of those quiet home-like rarities so 
pleasing to travelers. 

It was here that we met a remarkable young 
man, one who had been elected to weave a 



The Traveling Trio 21 

pretty romance, in which our trio played an 
important part. 

He was also traveling westward in the in- 
terest of some eastern magazine, that required 
a variety of western views as well as interest- 
ing write-ups on the country. 

For the lack of a better name, this partic- 
ular young man will be called "Brown-Eyes," 
in the following chapters. 

During the afternoon, while canvassing 
for "Crumbs of Thought," Miss Dera met an 
old lady whose relatives live in Tecumseh; 
she became much interested in our trio, and 
cordially invited us to accept her hospitality 
for the night, which we did. 

The next day was Saturday and we planned 
to take the evening train for Harvard, twenty 
miles off our route, for the purpose of spend- 
ing Sunday with our married sister, who was 
not aware of our coming. 

About sun-down we started for the North- 
western depot some distance from our stop- 
ping place. 

While waiting for our train, which was a 
little late, we interested ourselves in watching 
the different classes of people who came and 
went. Among others were two little girls who 
chattered away in German, we supposed they 



22 The Traveling Trio 

were unable to speak, or understand our 
tongue; hence Miss Dera for a new diversion 
spoke in Latin; to our great surprise and 
amusement she asked Miss Dera what she had 
said, in plain American. 

It was after nine o'clock when we arrived 
in Harvard and the town was as dark as a 
pocket, except for the light which streamed 
out from the business houses. The street 
lamps were more than conspicuous by their 
absence, but alas the poor sidewalks were not. 

We knew the way to our sister's home, but 
nevertheless we gladly accepted the night 
watch's kind offer to pilot us thither with his 
lantern. 

On arriving at the our destination we found 
the house in darkness, and there was no re- 
sponse to our vigorous raps. Our guide went 
to the nearest neighbor and found by inquiry, 
that our sister had gone to spend the night 
with a friend some distance away . 

We were at a loss what to do, but our friend 
advised us to remain where we were, while he 
went in quest of our sister. 

We consented to this, after giving him 
strict orders not to tell her who, or how many 
there were in our party; but man-like he 
couldn't keep a secret, and when she inquired 



The Traveling Trio 23 

the number awaiting her he hesitated suspi- 
ciously and then said/ 'I was told not to tell, 
but there are three of them." Then our sister 
asked if one was an invalid, and when he an- 
swered in the affirmative, she started for home 
at a rapid pace. 

In darkness on the front porch we awaited 
her coming, as quiet as girls can be, when 
mosquitoes are presenting their bills before 
they are due, while at their very feet the grass 
was rustled by some inconsiderate little 
creature, which they tried to think was a 
harmless toad in quest of unwary bugs; but 
the knowledge that a number of reptiles had 
been killed in that very yard, gave them an 
awful idea that this unpleasant rustling might 
possibly be a dreadful snake. 

Finally we heard the rapid footsteps of the 
expected, and everything was forgotten in 
the laughter and explanations that followed. 

Our brother-in-law had gone to Trumbull 
to open a barber-shop, where our sister in- 
tended to join him in a few days. 

If the non-appearance of an important 
business letter had not detained her, she would 
have been gone when we reached Harvard. 
This little incident we consider another bit of 
good fortune sent to help us on our way, for the 



24 The Traveling Trio 

belated letter was received the day after our 
arrival. 

The interior of the house was in a topsy- 
turvy condition, the carpets up and the cur- 
tains down, in fact nearly everything was 
packed for shipment, to the embarrassment 
of our sister, who regretted exceedingly that 
she was not in a position to entertain us satis- 
factorily. But we were in for a good time, and 
had it, in spite of the little inconveniences 
connected with the picnic fashion in which 
we spent the next three days. It was an ex- 
perience out of the ordinary, hence we enjoyed 
our visit. 

Our desire to attend church while in Har- 
vard was ungratified, not on account of in- 
clement weather, but because our Sunday 
go-to-meeting garm nts were securely fastened 
in the self-locking trunk and the keys were 
ditto, having been carelessly locked in the 
trunk before leaving Seward. 

Monday morning we obtained the services 
of a locksmith and after several patient at- 
tempts, he opened the trunk with nothing 
more or less than an insignificant wire hair- 
pin. How simple are many things after you 
have seen them accomplished. 

Wednesday forenoon our married sister and 



The Traveling Trio 25 

Ruth drove overland with the household 
goods to Trumbull. After Miss Dera and I 
had taken dinner with a Harvard friend, we 
wended our way between showers to the 
depot. 

It was the only place on our route, where 
the station agent refused to give me a permit 
to ride in the baggage car, until I had signed 
an agreement not to hold the railroad company 
responsible if anything should happen. 

We had two tedious hours in Hastings wait- 
ing for our train, which proved to be an ac- 
commodation train with no baggage car at- 
tached. This placed us in a fine predicament, 
for my chair was much wider than the pas- 
senger coach door. 

For a few moments it looked as though it 
would be impossible for us to leave Hastings 
on that train, but we were determined not to 
spend the night there, when so near our des- 
tination. There seemed to be but one way 
out of the difficulty, and that was to ride on 
the platform of the rear coach. 

In desperate, irresistible tones, we suggested 
this to the train crew, who were kind, obliging 
men, and in a few moments I was safely on 
the platform with my chair securely fastened 
to the iron railing; Dera sat in the doorway 



26 The Traveling Trio 

on a comfortable cushion, which the conductor 
removed from one of the seats. 

Thus we made our exit from the little city 
of Hastings. 

In this way we rolled over the shining steel 
rails with their borders of verdure and bloom; 
past fields where men paused in their work to 
shout and wave their hats; still on past farm 
houses and pastures, where cattle stopped 
grazing to look at the passing train. 

The sky was overcast and threatening and 
as we were neither ducks or Baptists, the pros- 
pects of rain in our unsheltered position might 
have dampened the spirits of some ; but it was 
against our principles to cry over spilled milk, 
or unspilled rain, so we rolled merrily on into 
the arms of Trumbull. 

After the trainmen had lifted me from the 
car they carried my chair across the tracks and 
placed me safely on terra firma, where my 
sister awaited us. 

Trumbull is nothing more than a village, 
but is inhabited by a good class of Christian 
people, which balances the deficiency. It is 
not the quantity but the quality that counts in 
the long run. 

On Thursday A. M., we took the train for 
Giltner, where I had the pleasure of meeting 



The Traveling Trio 27 

the I. S. S. president with whom I had corre- 
sponded for some time. In the afternoon she 
accompanied us to the depot, where we con- 
versed until our train arrived. 

It was the same mixed affair minus a bag- 
gage car, hence we were obliged to take 
another open air ride which ended in Aurora, 
where we were once more on the main line. 

That evening there was an interesting dis- 
cussion on temperance, in front of the hotel 
where we stopped. 

A commercial man and our wide-awake 
trio were on the right side, but the landlord 
talked for the evil of the nation, and a friend 
sitting near meekly echoed all that he said. 
He was a man who seldom unfolds an opinion 
of his own, when it is more convenient to do 
otherwise. One of those persons who fre- 
quently remind us of a chameleon, because 
they continually reflect the sentiment of the 
people with whom they come in contact. 

The gentleman on our side had many a 
good thought, which he did not hesitate to 
express in defense of the right. It is hardly 
necessary to say that we came out victorious 
in the argument, to the disappointment of the 
landlord and his echo. 

Late the next evening we disembarked in 



28 The Traveling Trio 

the little village of Cairo. It was extremely 
dark and once more we had to depend on the 
variable light which shown from the build- 
ings, to guide us over the uncertain walks. 
Once more we regretted having neglected to 
insure our lives before leaving home. 

For about two blocks we followed a party 
of gay young people, who had been to the 
depot to see the greatest event of the evening, 
the arrival of the westbound train. Then we 
came to a standstill before an unsurmountable 
difficulty in the walk, but with the kind assis- 
tance of several young men I was safely lifted 
to the ascent and a few steps farther brought 
us to the Commercial Hotel, where the land- 
lady gave up her own room in order to accom- 
modate us. 

While making preparations to leave our 
room the next morning, we were started by a 
scream from Ruth, who began a continuous 
jig in the unoccupied side of the room, while 
she brushed frantically at her neck as though 
trying to remove some offensive object, which 
we failed to perceive. She was naturally a 
calm, sensible girl, hence we were simply 
astounded as well as amused at her strange 
conduct. 

Before our efforts to solve the mystery had 



The Traveling Trio 29 

been successful, the landlady and a number of 
others came to learn the cause of such a dis- 
turbance. By that time the war dance had 
ceased and Ruth was able to satisfy our curi- 
osity as to the cause of her great disturbance, 
which lay kicking in the corner. 

On close inspection it turned out to be a 
large, extraordinary bug, with a black, dot- 
ted, yellow body about an inch and a half in 
length, six long legs and two fierce looking 
pincers, making up the horrible looking in- 
truder, which no one cared to have crawling 
toward their neck. Those who beheld the 
unwelcome visitor had never seen anything 
like it before. 

For lack of a better conclusion, and because 
of the bug's fondness for girls, we decided it 
was undoubtedly a great grandson of the 
Hobson notorious kissing bug. 

It took but a few hours to canvass Cairo, 
for it contained but two hundred inhabitants; 
but like the little town of Trumbull it pos- 
sessed a friendly class of people whom one 
likes to come in contact with, for they make 
the stranger feel that he is not in a far coun- 
try. 

About dusk we went to the depot regardless 
of the rising cloud in whose dark depths 



30 The Traveling Trio 

lightning flashed and thunder rolled in the 
most threatening manner. 

The train was late as usual, hence the storm 
was the first to arrive but the time spent in 
waiting was not monotonous as one might 
suppose. 

In spite of the warring elements, the usual 
crowd of mixed people gathered in the little 
two-by-four depot to welcome the westbound 
train. 

Between the interesting study of human 
nature and the continued examination of self 
after each flash of lightning to see if we 
remained unstruck, the time passed quite 
rapidly. 

Finally our train arrived and by the kind 
assistance of two young men, we made our 
way through the darkness and mud to the 
baggage car, where we had the pleasure of 
waiting in the storm until the baggage was 
arranged within. One of our escorts tried to 
hold a parasol over me, but the rain succeeded 
in wetting my outer garments before we were 
safely in the car. 

It was about midnight when we reached 
Ravenna and the clouds were still leaking. 
Our trio at once entered the depot, where we 
intended to remain until the train left before 



The Traveling Trio 31 

making inquiries regarding a hotel. We were 
immediately followed by a kind, never-to-be- 
forgotten gentleman, who had arrived on our 
train. He came to inform us that he regretted 
exceedingly that it was impossible for him to 
assist us in finding a hotel for the night, as he 
was to leave on the out-going train, which 
would leave in a few moments. 

We thanked him kindly and he turned 
away, but at the door he stopped to speak 
with a gentleman who afterwards proved to 
be a resident of Ravenna, and he immediately 
offered to guide us to a convenient hotel. 

Thanks to the considerate stranger, who 
left the dry cozy car in hopes of serving our 
trio. If people of his kind were more numer- 
ous in this world, we would not have so 
much reason to think that the milk of human 
kindness is often skimmed or diluted by 
selfishness. 

After two unprofitable days spent in 
Ravenna, we took our departure on the 
Monday evening train, which happened to be 
on time as well as on the track. 

It was after midnight when our fifty mile 
ride landed us in Broken Bow. A business 
man who happened to be at the depot, acted 
as our good pilot from one crowded hotel to 



32 The Traveling Trio 

another; our search for a lodging place re- 
minded one of the game "Pussy wants a 
corner." 

Finally we were offered a folding bed in the 
parlor of the Grand Central Hotel, whose 
many unlocked doors made it anything but 
pleasant or private. It is needless to say we 
accepted it, glad of a comfortable place to 
close our weary eyes. 

Early in the morning I was awakened by 
some one passing through the room from the 
office to the dining room. There was appar- 
ently no way to prevent the intrusion, which 
proved extremely unpleasant as well as laugh- 
able, when the girls began to attire. 

While all was quiet they dressed rapidly 
with eyes and ears alert, as soon as footsteps 
announced the approach of some intruder 
they suddenly dived beneath the coverlets and 
tranquility reigned until the individual had 
passed through the opposite side of our room. 
Thus it was with great difficulty that we were 
finally prepared for breakfast and the bright 
new day. 

During our journey westward, to the amuse- 
ment of our party, I had my chair called every 
conceivable name that mortal tongue, through 
thoughtlessness or ignorance, could con- 



The Traveling Trio 33 

veniently pronounce, from a cart to an 
automobile. 

As the violinist is particular in regard to 
having his instrument called a violin instead 
of a fiddle so I am desirous of having my con- 
veyance called a rolling chair. But having 
become accustomed to give instructions on 
this subject, I was not surprised when the 
hardware man in Broken Bow innocently re- 
ferred to my chair as a baby carriage. 

After I had politely informed him of his 
error, the bystanders laughed and he good 
heartedly agreed to remember the fact so as 
not to blunder when we passed that way 
again. 

That night we retired early in a cool, pleas- 
ant bedroom without fear of being disturbed. 

Our intention was to leave Broken Bow be- 
fore breakfast, but on arising we learned that 
our train was nearly two hours late; this en- 
abled us to partake of the morning meal, after 
which the girls went to a nearby store while I 
leisurely sipped a second cup of coffee. 

It lacked thirty minutes till train time when 
we emerged from our room ready to start for 
the depot: it was then that everyone was 
thrown into confusion by a phone from the 



34 The Traveling Trio 

station agent announcing the approach of the 
train, which had evidently made up time. 
The landlord told the porter to hold the train 
for us if possible and then the bus hurriedly 
departed with the passengers. 

Of course we hurried, but our efforts to 
reach the depot in time were unavailing. 

The train men were impatient because of 
the time they had already lost and they would 
not hold the train a moment for anyone, hence 
we had nothing to do but spend another day 
in Broken Bow, having missed the train by a 
cup of coffee, I laughingly declared to the 
girls, for if I had not drunk the second cup we 
might have caught the train. 

On the eve previous to our little disappoint- 
ment, the Wesleyan quartet gave a musical 
entertainment in Broken Bow. Shortly after 
our return to the hotel on that particular fore- 
noon, they marched into the parlor and sang 
a beautiful patriotic selection for my benefit, 
while the bus waited to take them to the east- 
bound train. The musical treat was greatly 
enjoyed by the writer as well as by others who 
happened to be within hearing distance. 

Our attempt to move westward the next 
morning proved successful and we left Broken 



The Traveling Trio 35 

Bow with only the best impressions of its 
people. 

Our two days sojourn at the Grand Central 
Hotel will ever be clothed with pleasant mem- 
ories, thanks to the kind proprietor and his 
lovely wife, who took a special interest in the 
traveling trio. 

The western part of Nebraska is much dif- 
ferent from the eastern side with its verdant 
landscape and rich, productive soil. Instead 
of green pastures, yielding fruit orchards and 
fields of waving grain, so numerous in the 
vicinity of our home, one beholds in western 
Nebraska a sun baked territory where sun- 
flowers and buffalo grass prevail, the lack of 
sufficient rain making it almost impossible for 
vegetation to grow in the dry, sandy soil, 
without irrigation. Trees and green grass are 
rarities and fruit is more so. When we were 
fortunate enough to obtain fruit that was not 
green, or on the verge of decay, it had too 
much of a money flavor to be thoroughly 
enjoyed. 

The main productions are horses, cattle and 
fleas, all of whch thrive and grow fat on the 
buffalo grass, though the dry curly blades 
seemed void of nutrition. Another produc- 
tion which in recent years has become profit- 



36 The Traveling Trio 

able is alfalfa, whose rapid growth enables the 
farmers to cut several crops during the sum- 
mer; when everything else dries up beneath 
the sun's scorching rays, the alfalfa fields 
retain their greenness. 

It is thought to be a success on account of 
the long roots which find moisture when noth- 
ing else can reach it. One year an alfalfa 
root measuring thirty feet in length was on 
exhibition at the Furnas County Fair. This 
makes the above statement seem probable. 

Our next stop was in a little village whose 
name I will not mention, for its sandy heart 
contained a number of peculiar people who 
seemed to think we were not what we claimed 
to be. Their attitude toward us was hard to 
analyze, but one would fancy they were in 
fear of their precious little village being spir- 
ited away before their vision; or still worse, of 
being themselves mysteriously swallowed up 
soul and body. 

We were told by certain parties who spoke 
from experience, having but recently located 
in the village, that the inhabitants look on 
every newcomer with suspicion, and if a 
stranger attempts to settle in their midst they 
will do their uttermost to push or freeze him 
out. 



The Traveling Trio 37 

We had no desire to cultivate the acquaint- 
ance of such cool people, although the weather 
was extremely warm, so we made prepara- 
tions to leave on the next train. 

After purchasing tickets and checking our 
baggage, the station agent had the courage to 
inform us that our next stopping place was 
much worse than the village we were leaving, 
but we felt this to be an impossibility. 

When our much desired train pulled in our 
hopes immediately pulled out, for the train 
was a horrid old freight with only a caboose 
for passengers. The trainmen were very 
kind and did everything possible to fix a way 
for our departure, but the caboose door was too 
narrow for my chair and the platform was of 
course not wide enough. 

We then suggested that we make the 
short trip to the next town in the freight car 
where the baggage was placed. At that 
time anything was preferable to spending a 
night in that irksome little village. 

Then too, the novelty of riding in the freight 
car was one we had never had the opportunity 
of enjoying, or enduring, but we learned that 
the unclean condition of the car made it any- 
thing but pleasant for passengers, so we 
simply had to lay over another day. 



38 The Traveling Trio 

As the afternoon shadows were pointing 
toward the hour of supper time, three crest- 
fallen girls might have been seen meandering 
up the business street of — . 

The little boarding house where we called 
on our arrival was full. There was only one 
other in town, a new structure whose proprie- 
tor had just moved in, we were informed. The 
fresh paint and curtainless windows confirmed 
this statement and we fancied they were not 
prepared to receive boarders, but as a last 
resort we called to make inquiries. 

The manager was a big-hearted German 
and his pleasant wife was a motherly woman, 
who believed in doing unto others as she would 
be done by. They soon found room for us 
and made our trio feel quite welcome, in spite 
of the disarranged house with its carpetless 
floors and curtainless windows. 

After a wholesome supper and a pleasant 
evening, we retired, but not to a bedroom as 
you may suppose ; they had no rooms prepared 
for lodgers, but the landlady made a comfort- 
able bed in a corner of the front hall, which 
served as our sleeping apartment. 

Newspapers substituted for curtains and as 
the door was minus a lock, I took the place 
of key and door keeper by sleeping with my 



The Traveling Trio 39 

chair against it. In this position I would 
easily have awakened if anyone had" ventured 
to gain an entrance. 

The next forenoon we bade our new friends 
farewell and departed for the little town with 
its uncomplimentary reputation. 

When we arrived at our destination the 
owner of the merry brown eyes descended 
from the smoker and came to our assistance. 
After I was safely lifted from the baggage car 
to the platform, he quickly returned to the 
smoker and was soon borne away by the re- 
treating train. 

This time our efforts to secure board and 
lodging in a private family were successful, 
which was gratifying to us; one would evi- 
dently grow weary of constant hotel life where 
it is always necessary to face menus and foot 
bills. 

We have frequently heard that variety is 
the spice of life and most of us are obliged to 
admit the fact sooner or later, but there is no 
one who realizes it more than the person who 
spends three months traveling among new 
scenes and faces, during which time he enters 
sixty-one cities, towns and mining villages, 
where he has the opportunity to study every 
conceivable character, from the lamb to the 



40 The Traveling Trio 

black sheep. One day in a first class hotel 
with the best accommodations and the next 
day in a second class boarding house, where 
he eats sparingly of the questionable food 
before him, wondering meanwhile how many 
mouths have sampled the same dish he is 
trying to dispose of. The hash and pudding 
are pushed aside as doomed, they are too sug- 
gestive of the leavings from his predecessor's 
plate to be appetizing, so he leaves them un- 
touched for the benefit of the next unwary 
victim. This person in question can say with 
genuine enthusiasm, " Variety is the spice of 
life." 

It is true some of the varieties are not alto- 
gether pleasing to our ease-loving natures, 
but it takes the bitter as well as the sweet to 
season the ingredients of life and make our 
sojourn in this old world interesting and 
instructive. 

It did not take our trio long to find Anselmo 
all that it had been represented not to be, a 
thriving little town where the spirit of friend- 
liness prevailed. 

The day was spent pleasantly, and while 
the rosy flush of day was fading from the 
margin of the west, we sallied forth to see the 
town and enjoy the balmy evening air. 



The Traveling Trio 41 

We soon discovered Anselmo, like many 
other towns, had room for improvements as 
well as boards in the few sidewalks it pos- 
sessed, but as this was the only displeasing 
feature of the town we passed over the ques- 
tionable crossings, ascended the ascents and 
descended the descents in the walk with only 
a few complaints framed in good humor. 

Our twilight ramble was taken in sections 
because of the many times we were stopped by 
people who desired "Crumbs of Thought/ ' 
They had heard of the book through friends 
who purchased copies during the day. 

As we were preparing to retire, several 
gentlemen came to the house for books as it 
would be impossible for them to call on the 
morrow. 

"Crumbs of Thought" went like hot cakes 
in the little town mentioned, where one would 
suppose poetry would fail to be appreciated. 

Next morning Dera and I bade farewell to 
the kind people with whom we had stayed and 
took the train for Thedford, where we expected 
to make good use of the cool, cloudy day, 
which happened to be Saturday, but as our 
train was leaving the station we saw on the 
platform, to our dismay, the trunk which con- 
tained our working material, the books. They 



42 The Traveling Trio 

had failed to put our baggage on board, hence 
the last day of the week was spent in idleness 
and regret. 

After we had engaged a room at the pleasant 
hotel there was nothing to do but wait for the 
evening train, which would bring Ruth and 
our baggage from Anselmo. She had remained 
there with a girl friend who was to assist 
her in taking a few more book orders. 

Shortly after our arrival we learned to my 
great surprise that a gentleman boarding at 
the hotel was the brother of a friend of mine. 
He was a congenial old bachelor who liked to 
joke as well as the next one. 

During our long wait for the belated train, 
which did not arrive until after midnight, he 
entertained us with an interesting account of 
the pranks he and his fellow ranchmen con- 
tinually played on one another. 

One of the ranchmen, whom we will call 
Maxy for the lack of a better substitute, came 
to town that evening to see his lady love, the 
landlord's daughter. She entertained him in 
their cottage near the hotel and he tied his 
team to the front fence, which proved too 
much of a temptation for our bachelor friend, 
Mr. W. 

While they were spooning in the dimly 



The Traveling Trio 43 

lighted parlor, Mr. W. cautiously untied the 
horses and climbed into the buggy. With 
great care he drove as silently as possible to 
an out-of-the-way neighborhood where he 
secreted the team in an unoccupied barn. 
When this was accomplished he returned to 
the hotel as delighted as a boy, over the fun 
which was sure to ensue. 

About midnight Maxy appeared on the 
scene, as expected. Having been unable to 
find his team and judging from similar experi- 
ences of the past, he had a sneaking idea that 
Mr. W. was the abductor, but so thoroughly 
did that gentleman play the role of innocence, 
that Maxy was obliged to make his exit no 
wiser then when he came. 

Finally the train's shrill whistle pierced the 
stormy darkness and Dera accompanied by 
Mr. W. made her way toward the depot. 

Shortly after their departure the parlor 
lamp proceeded to break the sflence in an un 
appreciated solo. It began with a series of 
puffing sounds as though trying to find the 
right k y, : hen from the depth of its oily hroat 
there issued a doleful hum. It was anything 
but soothing to the nerves. Little by little 
it arose until the hum was a full grown threat 
of destruction. 



44 The Traveling Trio 

This unpleasant strain and the irregular 
snore of a commercial man were the only 
sounds which broke the stillness. 

For a few moments I was uncertain as to 
what I should do. There was no one within 
calling distance, except the sleeping stranger. 

Should I try to awaken him immediately 
or should I wait until the lamp had done its 
worst? If I should succeed in arousing the 
sleeper and he would take the necessary time 
to dress, the lamp would certainly explode 
before he arrived on the scene ; but what if he 
should respond to the call for assistance with- 
out donning his daily attire. The mere pos- 
sibility of such an embarrassing situation was 
enough; I suddenly concluded it would be 
wise to remain silent and watch the lamp's 
proceedings. 

The annoying sound continued until the 
room took on a ghostly aspect and the dusky 
shadows crept from their lair to investigate. 

In anxious suspense I awaited the crisis, 
hoping if the thing was so inconsiderate as to 
blow up, that I should remain down for I had 
no desire to ascend just then. 

Finally without a spark of warning the light 
vanished. In retrospection this incident is 
is laughable, but at the time it was extremely 



The Traveling Trio 45 

serious, therefore when the light went out, I 
was just a little relieved to find myself un- 
singed and unpunctured in nothing worse 
than darkness. 

While I quieted my nerves and tried to 
regain self composure the see-sawing snore 
continued to drift through the key-hole and I 
was exceedingly glad that the sleeper had not 
been disturbed. 



46 The Traveling Trio 



A DAY ON THE RANCH. 

IjjjjIljHE morning dawned cool and tran- 

PXH quil beneath the smiling sky. When 
breakfast was over we made prepara- 
tions for the trip to Maxy's ranch as 
planned the night before. 

At an early hour Mr. W. drove up to the 
hotel with the stage, in which my chair was 
soon securely fastened; after Mr. W. had 
sandwiched himself between the girls in the 
seat, we started on our fifteen mile ride over 
a winding trail. 

In high spirits we rolled along over hills, 
through draws, and across stretches of 
prairie land, where herds of fattening cattle 
grazed in their extensive pastures. 

Here and there could be seen a lonely look- 
ing homestead or a prospering ranch on the 
somber landscape. 

At one time Mr. W. pointed out the spot 
where two human beings had been carelessly 
interred, their skeletons being extracted from 
the mound in recent years; one was identified 
as a white man and the other an Indian, 



The Traveling Trio 47 

because of the high bones and the color of his 
frame, the bones of the white man being much 
lighter in hue than those of the Indian. 

Before reaching our destination we met a 
buggy containing the cook and several other 
members of the Maxy ranch. This looked as 
though we would be minus a dinner as well as 
a welcome on our arrival. 

Mr. W. had neglected to phone our decision 
before starting, as suggested by Maxy the 
night previous. 

Right here let me mention that the mode of 
communication between town and ranch was 
over a wire run along the top of the pasture 
fence. 

In places the route over which we traveled 
was uncomfortably elevated terrace fashion, 
therefore the stage occasionally poised on 
edge as though preparing to loop the loop or 
turn a somersault down the hill. If the reader 
is a girl or a woman she will readily conceive 
what our feelings were at such times, but the 
intervals of alarm were brief so we lacked the 
time in which to fully express our fear. 

Finally we reached the ranch, which was as 
quiet as the day, but the appearance of Maxy 
on the scene assured us that the place was 
not entirely deserted. 



48 The Traveling Trio 

In a few moments we were escorted to the 
house by our gentlemen friends. After pass- 
ing through what we recognized as the kitchen 
they ushered us into a large room which served 
as sitting room and dining room. Here they 
left us to inspect and discuss things in general 
while they attended to the team. 

A party of flies buzzed a noisy welcome on 
the screenless window, which had been raised 
to admit the fresh air regardless of the domes- 
tic pests. The long sash curtains swayed to 
and fro in the breeze, but not white ones as 
you may suppose. In the days of their youth 
they had evidently been manufactured from 
red figured, black calico, but from frequent 
contacts with the wash tub and exposure to 
sun they had become a rusty hue with figures 
of a questionable pink. 

The portierres on the double door, between 
this and an adjoining room, were made of the 
same material. 

The floor was bare but clean, while the walls 
were adorned with pictures cut from maga- 
zines, a strip of blackboard which Maxy used 
in teaching the children of the cook, and sev- 
eral coats and sombreros belonging to some 
of the cowboys. 

The articles of furniture in the room were 



The Traveling Trio 49 

firm and substantial. A long table on which 
the meals were served, a small table strewn 
with books and papers and a number of cane- 
bottomed chairs, some of which had been 
carefully rebottomed with strips of leather. 

By the time we had made an optical survey 
of the room and had taken careful note of its 
humble furnishings, our friends reappeared 
on the scene. 

As the cook was absent Maxy acted as her 
substitute, while Mr. W. played the part of 
cookee. The proffered help of our trio was 
promptly rejected; hence we watched with 
interest the proceedings in the kitchen, as we 
conversed through the open door. Having 
had some experience in the art of cooking our 
host and his assistant knew how to prepare a 
good meal. 

True, the spring chicken which Maxy in- 
tended to have for dinner was conspicuous by 
its absence, because the inconsiderate fowl 
preferred flying to frying. But nevertheless 
we had a good variety of meat despite the 
fact it was a portion of a four-legged spring 
chicken. 

When the meal had been set forth on the 
long table covered with a white oilcloth, it 



50 The Traveling Trio 

mattered not if the coffee cups were tin, the 
silverware steel and the napkins invisible. I 
was provided with a spacious towel which 
served beautifully as a napkin. Then our 
merry band of five attacked the meal with 
keen appetites, and the diminished results 
were sufficient to prove our appreciation of 
the same. 

During the repast the gentlemen enter- 
tained us with amusing anecdotes from their 
eventful lives. 

We learned much of interest concerning 
the ranch, but as the writer is a woman she 
failed to remember the facts and figures con- 
nected with the live stock. 

Of course there were a great number of 
cattle, horses, hogs and sheep on the place, 
but alas the interests were insufficient to im- 
press the information on my mind. 

In fancy I hear some gentleman reader say, 
"Just like a woman, you couldn't expect any- 
thing else." 

Many times while enroute west, we heard 
someone remark that certain individuals be- 
haved s though they were locoed. 

At first we were unable to understand the 
unusual phrase, but our ranch friends enlight- 
ened us on the subject. It seems that loco 



The Traveling Trio 51 

is a harmless looking plant with blue flowers. 
It grows wild in the western states and it is 
very injurious to cattle and horses. 

Whenever the animals chance to eat loco 
they are seized with attacks of insanity. Dur- 
ing this period we were told their antics were 
most terrible to witness. 

After the evening meal had been disposed 
of in the usual way, the gentlemen proceeded 
to feed and water their stock. 

When this had been accomplished the stage 
was again brought forth and we were soon on 
our fifteen mile ride to Thedford. 

It was a tranquil August night bathed in 
moonlight splendor, hence we thoroughly 
enjo}^ed the return trip. Maxy accompanied 
us to town, occupying a portion of the limited 
seat, in order that Ruth might have the pleas- 
ure of riding his favorite pony to Thedford. 

The next two stops on our route wrought 
nothing of interest, therefore I will pass them 
by. 

The next place of interest on our western 
trip was Alliance, Nebraska, a thriving rail- 
road town. But it had one displeasing feat- 
ure which we considered a detriment to the 
community. 

There were not only two or three saloons in 



52 The Traveling Trio 

the place but a number of the alluring dens of 
evil made themselves conspicuous on the 
business street. 

It was indeed an excellent field for temper- 
ance workers, if they had the courage to locate 
there. 

Short ly after our arrival we engaged board 
and lodging in what seemed to be a quiet 
hotel, conducted by a somber maiden lady on 
a side street. 

When our grips had been disposed of in the 
room assigned to us, Ruth and I proceeded to 
make ourselves ready for supper, while Dera 
went in quest of the postofnce. As Alliance 
was one of our mail points, we received quite 
a number of letters from home and friends. 
There was also a box of books awaiting us at 
the express office, shipped there by my 
publisher as requested. 



The Traveling Trio 53 




OUR INTRODUCTION TO DIAMOND DICK. 

[URING the next day we chanced to 
meet one of the boarders, a peculiar 
man, who told us in a confidential 
manner that he was the genuine Dia- 
mond Dick of whom you readers have undoubt- 
edly heard. After this incredible announce- 
ment we were told of an extraordinary horse- 
back ride he had once taken. The trip was 
of surprising length and he made it much 
quicker than any other man could have done 
without changing horses. 

We soon concluded that he was partly in- 
sane, or a little the worse for drink; therefore 
we withdrew from his presence as soon as 
possible. 

After supper our trio adjourned to the 
parlor where some time was spent conversing 
with a lady traveler. Soon we were dis- 
turbed by a great commotion overhead, which 
caused the excited household to gather at the 
foot of the stairs. 

Diamond Dick had gone to his room but 
not to rest, it was evident, from the disturb- 



54 The Traveling Trio 

ance on the second floor. In his crazed con- 
dition he fancied he was on the train with a 
band of trained dogs. They were to show in 
Alliance that night, but the conductor re- 
fused to stop the train, hence the distressed 
manager pleaded and wailed in a most des- 
perate manner. 

After a time his mood changed, grief gave 
way to activity which threatened immediate 
destruction to the contents of the room. He 
seemed to be having trouble with his dogs, for 
presently he appeared in the hall above drag- 
ging a portion of his baggage, which he consid- 
ered one of his dogs. After many command- 
ing remarks and an exhibition of violence, the 
imaginary animal was returned to the room. 

Then we were aware that Diamond Dick 
had made his way through the window to the 
roof of the porch where he whistled and called 
loudly to his dogs. 

While this was transpiring the landlady and 
her excited boarders were consulting one 
another in the hall below. The former ob- 
jected to calling the police, so we waited in 
dire suspense not knowing whether Diamond 
Dick would fall off the porch and break his 
neck, or whether he would descend the stairs 
in quest of our company. Fortunately for 



The Traveling Trio 55 

the welfare of our party Diamond Dick did 
neither of the things we feared he might. 

After an interval of anxious suspense one 
of the gentleman boarders volunteered to 
pour oil on the troubled waters by ascending 
the stairs in behalf of our company. He had 
on previous occasions been able to quiet 
Diamond Dick, when excited by drink. There- 
fore we were not greatly surprised when the 
tumult subsided. 

From the conversation on the second floor 
we knew the manager of the dog show had 
been convinced of his arrival in Alliance. A 
little later the intoxicated man was persuaded 
to retire, but the kindly boarder occupied the 
same room in case his patient should require 
someone's attention during the night. Dur- 
ing the commotion above all was quiet below. 
Now it was vice versa, everyone had some 
remark to make or opinion to offer. It was 
some time before the house regained suf- 
ficient composure to guarantee sleep. 

When we girls sought our rooms it was with 
intensified abhorrence of strong drink. 

The fact that a strong, educated man should 
make such a sad failure in the prime of life, 
was something terrible. 

He was some mother's son who started out 



56 The Traveling Trio 

with unlimited possibilities. But alas! He 
had fallen by the way because the saloons of 
our nation have license to legally kill. 



The next day being Saturday we took the 
train for Hemingford, a quiet little village on 
the rolling prairie. Here we succeeded in 
obtaining a room in a private family, where 
we spent two uneventful days in the most 
pleasant manner. 

Our next and last stop in Nebraska was 
Crawford, situated in the northwestern part 
of the state not far from the Dakota line. It 
was a fair sized town, one third of whose popu- 
lation was colored people. A few miles dis- 
tant was Fort Robinson where several hun- 
dred soldiers were then stationed. We girls 
would have visited the fort but our brief so- 
journ in Crawford made it impossible. 

We were once more fortunate in obtaining 
a furnished room in a pleasant home. The 
lady's husband had gone to Washington on 
business, hence she appeared to be glad of our 
company. 

While in Crawford our new friend told us 
two legends, which I will repeat, with a hope 
that they will prove interesting to someone. 




The Traveling Trio 57 



THE LEGENDS. 

fBOUT four miles east of the town men- 

r $j$Sb tioned was Crow Butte, six hundred 
|H feet in height. 

SHE Many years ago the Sioux and Crow 
Indians had a battle at the foot of this hill, in 
which the Sioux were defeated through the 
stratagem of the Crows . During a war dance of 
the Sioux which they were having in honor of 
their supposed victory, the Crows who were 
corralled in the crescent shaped range of rocks 
at the Butte summit, were by no means idle. 

After killing a number of their ponies they 
skinned the animals and cut the hides in strips. 
By fastening these together they succeeded in 
sliding to the ground without detection. 

One old Indian remained to keep the camp 
fires burning in order to deceive their enemy. 
After the Crows reached the ground they cap- 
tured the Sioux ponies and soon made their 
escape to the badlands. 

The faithful old Crow who kept his post on 
the summit was cruelly put to death on the 
following day. 

The other legend is connected with Lover's 



58 The Traveling Trio 

Leap which stands between Crawford and 
Fort Robinson. It is also six hundred feet 
high. 

Years ago there was a heartless Indian 
maiden who had two ardent lovers. She was 
apparently fond of both, but would marry 
neither until she had put an end to one of 
them. 

While roaming over the prairies one day 
she said to her sweethearts who accompanied 
her, that the one who loved her most would 
prove his affection by jumping from the 
cliff. One of them accepted her challenge and 
met his death after which the dusky maid 
became the bride of the other. Thus ends 
the legend. 

A short distance from Crawford is a deep 
cut one hundred and two feet in depth. 
Through this the trains daily pass to and from 
the west. A few weeks previous to our arrival 
in that vicinity, there was a wreck near the 
cut, but fortunately no lives were lost, al- 
though much damage was done. 

In connection with this we were told of an 
incident which was one of the most pathetic 
ever brought before our notice. 

An invalid lady and her three daughters 



The Traveling Trio 59 

were journeying from Texas to Spokane, 
Washington, where the husband awaited his 
family. 

When they reached the western part of Ne- 
braska the altitude became too high for the 
mother, who was subject to heart trouble. 

All night prior to the wreck the lady pas- 
sengers worked with the unfortunate woman, 
but their efforts were in vain. Before dawn 
she passed away leaving her grief-stricken 
daughters among strangers far from their 
father, who undoubtedly looked forward in 
joyful expectancy to their coming. 

The youngest of the girls was ten and the 
eldest was yet in her teens. 

When the morning wreck prevented further 
progress by rail a dispatch was sent to Craw- 
ford for an undertaker and carriages. In 
this way the sad party was conveyed to town 
where sympathetic people did all in their 
power to help and console the bereaved girls. 

A telegram was sent to their father, but on 
account of the operator strike beyond Billings 
the message was several days in reaching its 
destination. As soon as an answer reached 
Crawford, the girls continued their journey, 
taking with them all that was earthly of their 
mother. 



60 The Traveling Trio 

How bright the beginning of their trip and 
how exceedingly desolate the end. 

While canvassing in Crawford Miss Dera 
was somewhat surprised to meet "Brown- 
Eyes" on the street. He had stopped there 
to obtain a few choice views and write-ups 
for the eastern magazine. 

During their brief interview he asked for 
permission to call on our trio while in town. 
Dera gave her consent and that evening he 
made his appearance at our boarding place. 

Our new friend had traveled extensively 
and being an excellent conversationalist he 
proved a most interesting companion. 

Shortly before his departure we learned to 
the great surprise of all concerned that "Brown- 
Eyes" was well acquainted with our relatives 
residing in the east. This unexpected dis- 
covery only served to make the circle of 
friendship a little stronger. 

Shortly after we changed our course west- 
ward, while yet in Nebraska, I had a beautiful 
vision. It lasted but an instant, yet that 
brief interval of time was sufficient to assure 
the writer of guidance and protection through- 
out the prospective trip. 

Against the somber background of prairie 
land I saw a passenger train gliding over the 



The Traveling Trio 61 

shining rails at a rapid speed, while a short 
distance before the engine were two angelic 
figures. Hand in hand they seemed to float 
through the air with their eyes on the track 
ahead. 

A similar vision came to me about the time 
we entered the mountainous region of Mon- 
tana. 

The background was a mountain, the side 
of which a passenger w T as slowly ascending, 
while the same white robed guides preceded 
the train as before. 

These visions were wholly unexpected as 
well as mysterious. 

The forepart of our journey, extending from 
the southeast to the northwest corner of the 
state has now been recorded. 

We stopped in twenty-one towns and were 
thirty-three days in covering the distance, 
which is about four hundred and seventy 
miles. 



62 The Traveling Trio 




SOUTH DAKOTA AND WYOMING. 

|N Wednesday, August 23d we crossed 
the Nebraska line and entered South 
Dakota. Our only stop in this state 
was Edgemont. It is quite a trading 
point situated on the main B. & M. road with 
the picturesque background of the foothills. 

While here we had another interesting inter- 
view with "Brown-Eyes" who informed us of 
his prospective side trip among the Black 
Hills. This would occupy the greater portion 
of a week so it would be some time before he 
would reappear on the western route. 

As passengers are not allowed in the baggage 
car without a permit from headquarters, I 
generally managed to obtain one before start- 
ing on a trip. 

Quite frequently the conductors make no 
inquiries regarding a permit, but just as sure 
as we fail to have one, some inconsiderate 
ticket puncher asks in his important manner 
for that insignificant bit of paper. 

Such was the conductor who accompanied 
us from Crawford to Edgemont. As we were 



The Traveling Trio 63 

about to be assisted in the car he appeared on 
the scene with his unpleasant inquiry, "Have 
you a permit?" We assured him of the fact 
by presenting the same. 

He unfolded the paper and stood with 
clouded brow reading the words thereon. 
This did not satisfy the ill-natured crank for 
he next inquired, "Have you transportation?" 
We answered in the affirmative after which the 
men helped us aboard the awaiting train. 

We were afterward told by one of the train 
crew, who spoke from experience, that this 
spicy conductor would not have believed his 
own grandmother. 

A few days previous to our appearance he 
had compelled a lady with two children to 
leave the train. It seems she w r as unable to 
furnish the transportation for both of the 
little ones, hence the ungentlemanly treat- 
ment of the conductor, whom we fortunately 
left at Edgemont. 

On the day after our arrival we again moved 
westward, but before continuing, let me men- 
tion the comical incident which occurred at 
the depot as we were preparing to board the 
train. 

Another man was needed to lift me in the 
baggage car, so a bashful young man standing 



64 The Traveling Trio 

near was asked to assist. He responded will- 
ingly, but the cautious way in which he took 
hold of my chair was amusing. The conductor 
was somewhat impatient for he said to the 
youth, "Now take hold, don't be afraid. " 
The writer was greatly amused, therefore I 
added in the most assuring voice, "No, I 
will not bite." 

This remark brought laughter from the by- 
standers and it also had the desired effect on 
the young man. He grasped my chair with 
vigor and I was safely landed in the baggage 
car. 

Our trio next visited the little town of New- 
castle, Wyoming. Here we succeeded in 
obtaining a room furnished for light house- 
keeping. The apartment was spacious and 
the accommodations first class. 

Girls like we purchased the eatables our 
fickle appetites craved, which usually consisted 
of nicknacks. 

The people of this place advised me to raise 
the price of my book, which sold for thirty 
cents in Nebraska. Because of the advanced 
prices always found in the west I did as they 
advised, and the sales were just as numerous. 

After spending a day both pleasant and 
profitable in Newcastle, we started for Gillette. 



The Traveling Trio 65 

Shortly before leaving the station a gentle- 
man passing the baggage car coolly asked Miss 
Dera if she knew what she was sitting on. 
The girl arose in order to inspect her seat, 
when lo and behold, to our great dismay we 
found that she had been sitting on a coffin 
box. From the undertaker's certificate we 
learned the corpse was that of a man who was 
being shipped to Washington. 

At first we were horrified by the unexpected 
discovery. The fact that it was night did 
not serve to brighten the situation. 

It so happened the baggage-master spent 
part of his time in the next car, which left us 
alone with our silent companion. During 
these intervals the gloom became a trifle more 
dense, and strange to say our surroundings 
seemed a little uncanny, but before the three 
hours' ride came to a close we had regained 
composure sufficient to permit a peaceful 
nap. 

It was about midnight when we reached 
Gillette so we kept the baggage car experience 
a secret until morning lest Ruth who occupied 
the coach in blissful ignorance of our travel- 
ing companion, should become nervous over 
the incident told at bedtime. 



66 The Traveling Trio 

This was the first, but not the last time we 
were obliged to journey with those whose souls 
had passed to the great beyond. 

Gillette is mainly a shipping point for the 
benefit of the ranchmen in that vicinity. 
Before reaching the rough little village on the 
barren plains, we were told the town was a 
second Paris but our charitable trio fancied 
the place was not as bad as represented. 

However, we had cause to think there was 
more truth than fiction in the statement by 
the close of our day in Gillette. 

During the afternoon Miss Dera, who had 
been canvassing, returned to the hotel with 
unpleasant news. 

The saloon keeper who had heard of our 
mission in town, evidently thought to make 
our visit a profit to himself, therefore he had 
the boldness to interview our friend on the 
street. In a few polished words he unfolded 
the evil scheme thinking no doubt that it 
would be favorably received. 

As it happened to be the stockmen's ship- 
ping day, a great number of cowboys and 
ranchmen were expected in town. 

On such occasions Gillette was painted red, 
nothing remained dry in the village except the 
sun baked terra firma on which it reposed. 



The Traveling Trio 67 

Hence the saloon keeper expected to reap the 
usual harvest that night from his generous 
patrons. 

He wished Miss Dera to give him a supply 
of books which he would sell in connection 
with his goods, a copy of poems with every 
bottle of liquor. For this combination the 
schemer intended to ask a good price so he as 
well as the writer would net a handsome 
sum. 

After listening to the suggestion Miss Dera 
said she thought I would not approve of the 
plan, so she would not hand him the books 
until she had consulted me. 

Perhaps the reader has already guessed the 
writer's decision which was given at once 
without a moment for consideration. It is 
hardly necessary to say I was perfectly 
astounded, and that I was indignant was put- 
ting it mildly. 

The very thought of going into partnership 
with such a man and placing my book of 
sacred poems in that den of degradation, 
where they would be sold with the nation's 
evil, was simply appalling. 

The idea of him thinking for a moment that 
we would stoop to his level was wholly pre- 
posterous. The proposition was received as 



68 The Traveling Trio 

an insult and the thoughts which passed 
through the writer's mind were anything but 
complimentary to their subject. 

As the afternoon receded the cowboys began 
to make their appearance in town. The first 
place visited on their arrival was the saloon, 
situated within sight of the hotel. 

When supper had been disposed of in the 
usual way, our trio wended their way through 
the gathering shadows to the depot prepara- 
tory to taking the westbound train, which 
was late as of yore. 

A number of cowboys came and went while 
we waited. They were well-behaved fellows, 
those bronze statues of the plains, so blest by 
heaven's pure air and sunshine. 

Their picturesque attire was set off by the 
notorious sombrero, red neckerchief and spurs. 
In fancy the latter jingled the merry air of 
"Cheyenne," as their owners strode about the 
platform. 

A little later while we were enjoying the 
beauties of the night in front of the station, a 
well dressed man sauntered leisurely in our 
direction. I refrain the name of gentleman in 
connection with him, for such he was not. 

The world might have called him handsome, 
but the striking combination of black hair, 



The Traveling Trio 69 

eyes and pink cheeks won no admiration from 
the writer. 

As soon as the stranger appeared on the 
scene I had the impression it was the saloon 
keeper, which was correct. 

Miss Dera was sitting near me, and it was 
before her the annoyance paused. 

I felt he had no good intentions, therefore 
close attention was paid to his remarks, spoken 
in a guarded voice. With words of flattery 
he tried to induce our friend to take a walk, 
but of course she refused to accompany him. 

Having failed in this he inquired if we were 
going away that night. When informed that 
we were, he feigned surprise, after which he 
began talking of the excellent opportunity to 
sell books we would lose by continuing our 
journey that night. 

Now when the book question was presented 
I thought it time for No. 3 to interpose. 

I told him the town had been thoroughly 
canvassed, hence there was no reason for us re- 
maining on expense until the morrow. 

He then suggested that we stay over for 
the purpose of selling books to the cowboys 
that night. This only served to enhance the 
opinion I already had of him. 

In fancy I picture our trio on the dark 



70 The Traveling Trio 

streets of the rough little village, mingling 
with the cowboys and ranchmen, some of 
whom might become too hilarious from their 
visits to the saloon. The mental scene was 
far from pleasing, so were my next remarks 
to the intruder. 

After assuring him we had no intention of 
remaining there another night, I spoke of the 
bad impression our Nebraska trio would 
undoubtedly make in Gillette if we carried 
out his suggestions. 

For some reason my words were unappre- 
ciated, forsooth the man was provoked and he 
soon betrayed his true character by inferring 
that a good reputation was naught, when a 
few extra dollars could be made. 

This aroused my ire and I told him emphat- 
ically that our party considered a good name 
more valuable than wealth, hence we pre- 
ferred it to money. 

In a tone of impatience he declared me 
foolish because of my moral standing, then 
with an air of disgust he walked away. 

As the defeated villain passed around the 
depot he beckoned for Miss Dera to follow, 
but our friend paid no attention to him. 

When the long weary wait came to a close 
there were at least three individuals who were 



The Traveling Trio 71 

glad to board the brightly lighted train. 
These were no other than the Nebraska trio, 
who reached the little city of Sheridan a trifle 
in advance of the promising new day. 

It was very cool as well as dark, so we de- 
posited ourselves in the cozy depot to wait 
developments. 

Being naturally a little weary from loss of 
sleep we intended to spend the time in that 
restful occupation, but our attempts to do so 
were only a partial success. The girls spent 
some time in trying to locate a soft place in 
the hard seats, which may rightly be called 
the travelers' trial. 

Finally after many murmurs of discontent 
the girls obtained the relief sought, by padding 
a comfortable place for their drowsy heads. 

I was more fortunate as far as a comfortable 
position was concerned, but the much desired 
sleep was sadly shattered by the colored por- 
ter who came in now and then to attend to 
the stove. 

He evidently thought we came from Klon- 
dike, judging from the manner in which he 
raised the temperature. At one time the 
reception waxed so warm that the writer had 
a great notion to faint, just for the pleasure of 
being rolled out into the cool atmosphere. 



72 The Traveling Trio 

But having never performed the feat before, 
I was uncertain how to proceed, therefore the 
idea was banished. 

Finally, in spite of the many disturbances 
we managed to catch a few naps. 

The period for sleep was of short duration, 
however, for the rosy banners of dawn were 
soon flaunted in the dusky east. 

As soon as sufficiently aroused we sallied 
forth in quest of a private boarding house, 
referred to us by a fellow traveler. 

Several days were spent in Sheridan for the 
purpose of selling my literary work. 



The Traveling Trio 73 



THE UNLEARNED LESSON IN 
CLOCKOLOGY. 

0§§^>N the night of our departure our Ne- 

|||j§ braska trio had an experience, which 
was alarming as well as humorous. 
The room which we occupied in the 
Cottage Hotel adjoined the parlor, but it had 
one drawback in the form of portierres, which 
separated our apartment from the room men- 
tioned. Such an unreliable door is not alto- 
gether pleasing, because of the fact that it is 
not proof against those inconsiderate beings 
called burglars. 

It so happened that the train we expected 
to take was due at 2 a. m. It also happened 
that the depot was two miles from our board- 
ing place therefore it was necessary to rise at 
one o'clock, if we expected to catch the early 
train. 

Shortly after tea while the writer and her 
friend were seated in the parlor the landlady 
entered with the much desired alarm clock. 
She informed us that it was one of those auto- 
matic terrors guaranteed to banish the largest 



74 The Traveling Trio 

drove of nightmares and break the strongest 
thread of golden dreams — one of those ever- 
lasting ringers which makes you feel like doing 
something desperate, as you are brought back 
to this earth with a rush that almost takes 
your breath from your body. 

It took but a moment for the landlady to 
show how the alarm could be turned off, when 
in operation. 

It was as simple as falling off a log when one 
understood the combination, but when one 
chances to be an entire stranger to the con- 
cern — well, that is a different supposition. 

As my mind was occupied with other mat- 
ters I paid little attention to the conversation, 
yet from the stray remarks in that direction I 
conceived that my friend had mastered the 
art of quieting an alarm clock. 

Darkness fell, the household retired and for 
a time peace and tranquility reigned. Then 
all was vice versa. Without a second's notice 
the clock got busy and the manner in which it 
splintered the silence was simply alarming. 

But would you believe it ? After an interval 
of hilarious ringing the sassy inconsiderate 
machine paused as though listening for some 
sound from the sleepers. 

Was it then content with the mischief 



The Traveling Trio 75 

wrought? Ah! no, don't you think it! with 
renewed energy it began ringing the same old 
tune. 

It is needless to say we left the isle of slum- 
ber without further delay. We awoke with a 
start to find that we were not aboard a 
switching freight train, but face to face with 
one of the worst inventions ever made. 

As our friend Dera was the only one who 
had received instructions on the management 
of the concern, she hastily arose and in a dazed 
manner groped her way through the darkness 
until her hands grasped the clock. 

A moment passed while the alarm contin- 
ued to whirl in the same annoying way. 

In response to my inquiries as to what was 
the matter, there was an impatient exclama- 
tion, "I can't seem to find the right screw. 
Just wait until I light a lamp and then I will 
stop the horrid thing. Oh dear, there isn't 
a match here. What shall I do?" 

Without waiting for a suggestion she rushed 
through the portierres into the parlor. After 
switching on the light she turned her attention 
to the noisy time piece. 

But her efforts to quiet the innocent looking 
machine were unavailing. The right com- 
bination could not be located and it was evi- 



76 The Traveling Trio 

dent the landlady's information had fallen on 
desert air. 

After everything turnable had been turned 
and everything pressable had been pressed, 
the affair began to look serious. Something 
must be done immediately, but what that 
something should be, was more than we could 
tell. 

In sheer desperation the white robed figure 
slapped and pounded the clock without the 
desired effect. Then she shook the hateful 
thing until it rattled, but in vain, the alarm 
never ceased its ringing. 

Every now and then she would call in a 
panic-stricken voice, "Myrtle, what shall I do? 
What shall I do ?" 

But the writer was unable to suggest any- 
thing that Miss Dera had not already done. 

Up and down the parlor she paced, remind- 
ing one for all the world of an anxious mother, 
who walks the floor with her colic-stricken 
babe. 

Presently the white-robed figure began 
parading in a circle. Round and round the 
room she cantered, bound for nowhere and 
accomplishing naught. 

At times the unruly clock was pressed close 
to the captor's throbbing heart, then again 



The Traveling Trio 77 

she almost smothered its tiresome whir in the 
folds of her gown. 

Oh, if the thing would only run down or 
break, anything would have been preferable 
to that metallic ring. 

The scene was certainly dramatic and an 
outsider would undoubtedly have considered 
it humorous, but not so with the Nebraska 
trio, who were a little distressed. 

We expected to have the entire household 
swoop down upon us if the disturbance had 
continued much longer. 

The only other occupant of the first floor 
was an elderly gentleman whose room also 
adjoined the parlor. Now it happened that 
this particular boarder was exceedingly deaf, 
which was fortunate for him on this occasion. 

This was something of a relief to us, yet we 
feared he might hear the commotion and come 
to our assistance. This thought, strange to 
say, only made matters worse. 

In the meantime the provoking machine 
kept busily at it, as though bound to do its 
duty at any cost. 

We might have thrown the tiresome ringer 
out of doors, or we might have buried it under 
the bed clothes, but such ideas never presented 
themselves at that time. 



78 The Traveling Trio 

Swiftly the moments flew by, making our 
departure from Sheridan a thing of uncertainty. 
What should be done? 

Suddenly footsteps were heard, the hall 
door opened and the floor-walker vanished 
with her noisy captive. 

The writer was simply astounded at the 
unexpected act, but my efforts to detain the 
flying figure were in vain. 

Up the stairs she bounded with the clock 
ringing out its defiance on the night air. The 
excited girl was bent on finding the landlady's 
room, where relief might be obtained. 

With unfaltering steps, regardless of the 
boarders who were beginning to move about 
in their rooms. Every now and then a door 
was cautiously opened and a face peered out 
to learn the cause of their unusual disturb- 
ance. 

Presently the dazed landlady appeared, 
with more good humor than one would expect 
on such an occasion. In an instant she found 
the combination which silenced the peace dis- 
turber, much to the relief of our party. 

A few minutes later we were on the dark 
street, trying to hurry in the direction of the 
depot; but speed was impossible until we 
reached the business section of the city. iM& 



The Traveling Trio 79 

Then our progress was made easy by the 
many electric lights. 

The reader may think the streets were de- 
serted at that early hour, but such was not the 
case. 

A number of places were open for the bene- 
fit of those who wished to assuage their ap- 
petites or quench their thirsts. 

Music filled the air and gay laughter mingled 
with hilarious voices. 

There were women as well as men among 
the dissipating night birds, who were certainly 
not on the road to purity and goodness. 

A policeman strolled leisurely down the 
opposite side of the street, but his presence 
made us feel more comfortable. 

It took but a short time for our train to 
make the five mile run between Sheridan and 
Dietz. When we reached the mining village 
it was wrapped in darkness and slumber. 
The only person to be seen was the station 
agent, whom we soon learned was desirous of 
reaching his sleeping apartments. 

As it happened to be several hours before 
daylight was due and as we knew nothing 
whatever about our new location it seemed 
the wisest plan to await dawn before starting 
out to explore our strange quarters. 



80 The Traveling Trio 

We were just settling ourselves in one cor- 
ner of the two-b}^-four waiting room when 
the disobliging young agent informed us that 
the depot would shortly be closed for the rest 
of the night. 

The announcement was unwelcome as well 
as unexpected, hence our weary trio gave vent 
to exclamations of surprise, which served to 
put the agent in a more wakeful attitude. 

He coolly remarked that if our party had 
visited Dietz a year previous we should not 
have found a depot there, as it had but recent- 
ly been erected. 

The writer promptly informed him that 
their party would never have stopped in a 
mining village, if they had passed that way 
when it had not possessed a depot. 

We then made inquiries regarding a hotel 
and to our great amazement the agent offered 
to escort us thither with a lantern. 

We gladly accepted his guidance and a few 
moments later our party sallied forth in the 
cool atmosphere, which we quickly noticed 
was laden with the odor of coal gases. 

Across several railroad tracks, through a 
ditch, which was fortunately void of water, 
and over a rough path, we followed our guide 
and his lantern. 



The Traveling Trio 81 

Finally to our great relief the hotel was 
reached, but the place seemed deserted, so 
quiet was everything on the premises. But 
after a series of vigorous raps our guide suc- 
ceeded in arousing some sleepy individual on 
the second floor. 

When the proprietor, for such he proved 
to be, appeared in our midst we were informed 
that every room in the house was full. But 
being a gentleman be did the next best thing, 
which was to invite us in for the remainder of 
the night. 

The agent bade us a hasty good-night at 
the door and as soon as the proprietor had 
ushered us through a long hall into a spacious 
dining room, he also took his departure. 

The room was brightly lighted by electric- 
ity, but that did not banish the drowsy feel- 
ing, which took possession of our party. For 
once we were not in a communicative mood. 
The girls found the dining room chairs a hard 
proposition, while they tried to find a com- 
fortable position in which to catch a few winks 
of sleep. 

Therefore, it was with gladness we hailed 
the arrival of dawn and the rising of the hotel 
inmates. 



82 The Traveling Trio 

Before breakfast was served we adjourned 
to the pleasant parlor which had been put in 
readiness for us. 

The reader may fancy because a hotel is 
situated in a western mining camp, it must 
necessarily be a rough, second class affair. 

Forsooth the writer once fostered this idea, 
but from experience I learned that such was 
not the case. 

The climate and locality have little to do 
with the inner life of such a public place. It 
is principally the parties who have charge of 
the establishment, that make or mar it. 

This particular hotel was with modern 
conveniences. They served good meals and 
the prices were reasonable. 

The proprietor and wife were congenial 
American people and they made their tran- 
sient feel like passing that way again. 



The Traveling Trio 83 




THE MINING CAMP. 

*URING the day that followed we saw 
and learned much of interest in Dietz. 



Besides the miners who had their 
little homes in the camp, there were 
several hundred boarding at the hotel, strong, 
enduring fellows who saw little of ease and 
pleasure in their monotonous round of toil. 

What if their faces were powdered with coal- 
dust and their suits coarse and unfashionable ? 

These men who spend most of their time in 
the bowels of the earth are diamonds in the 
rough, if you please. A majority of them are 
gentlemen in word and deed, which is more 
than can be said of some eastern men who 
strut about in linen and broadcloth. 

The chief attraction in Dietz is the mining 
industry, which helps to make Sheridan what 
it is today. 

There are two coal mines in the camp. 
Both are lighted by electricity and we were 
told they once had a surprise party for the 
superintendent in one of the mines. The 
tables were spread and everything put in 



84 The Traveling Trio 

readiness for the banquet. When the people 
heard the approach of the superintendent, 
they switched off the lights until he drew near, 
hence the surprise was all that they had 
anticipated. 

The slope mine is entirely void of gas, it 
extends back under the hills, tunnel fashion, 
for a distance of two and one half miles. The 
coal is conveyed from this mine in motor cars 
which can be heard rolling in and out at all 
times of the day. 

The shaft mine No. 2 is one hundred and 
seventy feet in depth and the descent is made 
in a cage operated by an electric motor. 

The coal is hauled from the side passages 
to the main tunnels in cars drawn by mules 
and horses. 

One man sees to elevating the coal. 

When a car has been fastened on the cage 
an air bell is rung and the entire load is lifted 
out of the shaft. 

Seventeen hundred tons of coal are ex- 
tracted from these mines each day. 

We were told that gas prevailed in the shaft 
mine. However, the foreman has his office at 
the bottom of the shaft one hundred and 
seventy feet below the sunlight. 

To the tourist, Dietz is a novelty, from the 



The Traveling Trio 85 

cloud of smoke suspended above the camp to 
the galleries of coal below. 

Among other objects of interest is Piano 
Row, which has not yet reached the length 
and dignity of a street. It is bordered with 
small square cottages built alike. 

In outward appearance they resemble a 
piano, but whether the interior of these homes 
vibrate with harmony or discord, is more than 
the writer knows. 

Another novelty in the mining camp, we 
discovered when making inquiries for the 
postoffice. 

A quaint, low building with one door and a 
window in its dreary looking front — this 
small structure, which might have accom- 
modated the reader's family cow without 
pinching it, was, we learned, the postoffice. 

The mental comparison of Uncle Sam's 
quarters in our home town to that just men- 
tioned, was somewhat amusing. Yet beyond 
the humor lies an undeniable fact, it is gen- 
erally the small things in life that are indis- 
pensable, though we seldom realize the sim- 
ple truth. 

On the second day of our sojourn in Dietz 
the girls expressed a desire to take book 
orders in the mines. At first I was not in 



86 The Traveling Trio 

favor of them going. The mere idea sug- 
gested infinite danger, but after hearing of other 
lady travelers who had made the descent in 
safety, I felt more willing for the girls to try it. 

The superintendent was very pleasant as 
well as considerate. After giving the girls a 
permit to visit the mines, he provided them 
with a guide who made the under-ground 
trip less dangerous and more interesting. 

While Ruth and Dera were absent I re- 
mained in the hotel, thinking every conceiv- 
able thought that embraced explosions, crum- 
bling mines, etc., hence the girls' safe return 
was a great relief to the writer. 

A number of books were ordered by the 
miners who had no money with them. This 
was arranged satisfactorily between both 
parties by taking a list of their names, which 
was afterward given to the superintendent 
with the books ordered. Each miner who 
subscribed for a book had the price deducted 
from the money due him, so it required some 
time to look over the pay roll and check off 
the names. 

That evening we called at the superintend- 
ent's office as requested and in exchange for 
the books I received a check for twenty-seven 
dollars. 



The Traveling Trio 87 

After the business transaction, a short 
time was spent in pleasant converse with the 
superintendent and his brother officers. 

The gentlemen seemed glad to make the 
acquaintance of our trio, and those who had 
not ordered books, purchased a number of 
copies for gifts to eastern friends. 

The next morning we again rose early to 
take the westbound train. On the way to the 
depot one of the girls greatly amused the 
hotel proprietor who accompanied us, by 
making some remark about the frost seen in 
the mine. After laughing he informed us 
that it was not frost, but alkali, which the 
girls saw. We found the depot agent asleep 
on the second floor. The reception was ex- 
ceedingly cool, because of the chilly night 
air, which kept the passengers moving briskly 
about the platform. 

Finally, between the volley of loud taps and 
the impatient exclamations from below, the 
agent was obliged to leave his cozy bed. 

As soon as the door yielded to his keys, our 
party and the strangers who had gathered, 
made haste to enter the comfortable waiting 
room. 

Having been advised to cash our check at 
the depot we lost no time in presenting it to 



88 The Traveling Trio 

the agent. After brief investigation of money 
drawers he informed us there was not that 
much money in his possession. 

This was somewhat disturbing, for we could 
not leave Dietz without cashing the check, 
and to stay over another day seemed out of 
the question. Presently the agent asked 
where we wished to go that night. On being 
told our next stop was Billings, he said that 
after giving us the tickets for that distance, 
he would have the money necessary to fill out 
our check. 

A few minutes later as we were about to 
board the waiting train, a familiar figure 
stepped from one of the coaches and the cheery 
voice of "Brown-Eyes" greeted us. In the 
few words exchanged before the train started, 
he expressed regret that our party was leaving 
Dietz on the night of his arrival, but concluded 
by saying, that if his plans unfolded satisfac- 
torily, he would probably spend Sunday in the 
same town we did. 

When daylight unveiled the landscape we 
were in Montana rolling along by the Yellow- 
stone river, whose clear waters sparkled and 
danced o'er the stony bottom. 

In this vicinity the barrenness of the 



The Traveling Trio 89 

scenery was somewhat relieved by groups 
of forest trees. 

Several miles farther westward we left the 
stream for more interesting objects. We next 
passed the Crow agency and Custer's battle 
field. 

The monuments on the latter were plainly 
visible from the right side of the train. Among 
the souvenirs gathered along our route, we 
have a picture of Curly, the last survivor of 
Custer's battle. It was about nine a. m. 
when we reached Billings, the county seat of 
Yellowstone county. This progressive little 
city has about eight thousand inhabitants. 

Three branches of the Northern Pacific 
railroad entered the place at that time, and a 
branch of the Milwaukee road was coming 
that way. 

The winters are not severe in Yellowstone 
valley because of the surrounding mountains 
which prove a shelter. A great many sheep 
and cattle are shipped from Billings each year. 

The leading crops in this community are 
alfalfa, hay, wheat, sugar beets and oats. 

It chanced to be in Billings that we had the 
misfortune to encounter one of the meanest 
men in Montana. 

After some time spent in making inquiries 



90 The Traveling Trio 

we engaged a comfortable room in what 
seemed to be a tranquil home. A young 
married couple occupied the cottage. Mrs. 
Cole was quite girlish and somewhat reticent 
while her husband, who was a ticket ex- 
changer on the Northern Pacific train, we 
found by experience to be a regular old bear. 

But he differed entirely from the docile 
teddy bear of today. All went smoothly 
until supper time when Mr. Cole returned 
from his run. It seems he was not in favor of 
taking lodgers, and the fact that his wife had 
acted contrary to his wishes greatly displeased 
his lordship. When the family disturbance 
reached our ears, we decided to find a new 
lodging place before dark. Under the pre- 
tence of taking a walk we strolled toward the 
business streets. It took but a short while to 
find a desirable location in a pleasant hotel. 
When this had been accomplished the girls 
requested me to remain there while they went 
back for our grips. 

I wished to accompany them for I felt they 
would have trouble with the disagreeable Mr. 
Cole, but the girls insisted on going alone, and 
they finally had their way. After a time two 
excited girls entered the writer's apartment. 
Ruth and Dera had returned without the 



The Traveling Trio v 91 

grips. They quickly related their warm inter- 
view with the ticket exchanger. He refused 
to give up our baggage until we paid him a 
certain sum of money, which exceeded the 
price set by his wife, if our trio had occupied 
the room twenty-four hours. 

Fortunately I had the purse, so the girls 
were unable to give him the amount desired. 

At first we knew not how to deal with the 
new and unexpected problem. But one thing 
was certain, we were bent on having our grips 
that night. 

With well constructed plans, our party set 
out for our enemy's camp. 

On the way we were greatly surprised to 
meet a Nebraska friend, whom we had no idea 
was in Montana. When he had been informed 
of our difficulty, a nearby policeman was 
consulted. After listening to the particulars, 
the officer said we could secure our baggage 
without paying Mr. Cole a cent. He concluded 
by saying if the man caused us further annoy- 
ance to let him know. 

It was nearly twilight when we reached our 
enemy's home, where a bit of stratagem was 
soon practiced. Mr. Cole evidently expected 
visitors, for no time was lost in answering our 
rap. He stepped outside and we conversed 



92 The Traveling Trio 

in front of the porch as planned. The writer 
began the attack in a pleasant voice, not car- 
ing to arouse the bear just then. 

I understood he and the girls had differed 
in settling our account. He replied in the af- 
firmative, and his words were half agreeable. 
I listened patiently to what he had to say on 
the subject, before saying that because of the 
displeasure expressed by him at our entrance 
in his home, we had secured another lodging 
place, and had come for our grips. At this 
Mr. Cole presented his bad humor, and coolly 
announced that we could have our posses- 
sions by giving him the desired sum. 

While I held his attention in this manner, 
Dera slipped quietly into the house as previ- 
ously planned. 

The venture was somewhat risky and we 
were rather dubious as to the outcome. But 
much to our relief Mr. Cole failed to notice 
our friend's movements, so engrossed was he 
in the money question. 

It took but a few moments for Dera to make 
her way to our former room, obtain the grips, 
and reappear in the yard a safe distance from 
our party. Her exit was witnessed in silence 
by us, but the unwary man saw nothing. 

He was greatly excited over the policeman 



The Traveling Trio 93 

statement just told him; I mentioned no names 
but said someone of good authority gave us 
the information. Mr. Cole for some unknown 
reason thought it was the porter in the hotel 
we intended to patronize, hence that innocent 
gentleman received a few uncomplimentary 
remarks, which fortunately fell on desert air 
Suddenly his eyes penetrated the gathering 
gloom, and beheld Dera standing guard over 
what he supposed was safe in his keeping. 

The poor man was astounded and the fact 
that he had been defeated on his own premises 
by three defenseless girls, was almost more 
than Mr. Cole could endure. 

His voice betrayed unalloyed anger as he 
growled something about our unexpected act. 
Still he made no attempt to recover the bag- 
gage. Therefore the writer has no interest 
ing foot race to record. 

In the dialogue that followed the ticket 
exchanger found that the Nebraska trio had 
no intention of granting his request. 

We had only occupied the room part of the 
day, but the greedy man coolly announced it 
was not his fault. 

When we had told him the sum he desired 
was much larger than that asked by his wife 



94 The Traveling Trio 

the dubious bear called loudly for that unfor- 
tunate being. 

Presently she came around the house and 
her attitude reminded one of a child, who ex- 
pected to be punished. 

Without a word she seated herself on the 
edge of the porch. When Mr. Cole questioned 
her in regard to the agreement, I expected her 
fear of displeasing him might cause her to 
neglect the truth, which would place us in a 
nice predicament. 

There was a slight pause, followed by a few 
timid words which confirmed our statement. 
Once more the man was defeated, and this 
time by his candid wife. 

After hearing the answer he remarked 
angrily, if his wife had made such an agree- 
ment with us, why of course that settled it. 

He then expressed his feelings in words 
never used by a gentleman, serenity and good 
etiquette being completely forgotten. 

We next suggested that he divide the sum 
mentioned, but in vain, the obstinate bear 
held his ground firmly. It was then dark and 
our trio thought it time to move toward the 
hotel. 

So we informed Mr. Cole that he was a per- 
fect coward to impose on three unprotected 



The Traveling Trio 95 

girls as he had done. The amount asked by 
Mrs. Cole was handed him with a sarcastic 
phrase and we merely concluded by saying 
that as he needed the money more than our 
trio did, we would gladly give him the sum. 

The last shot evidently touched a tender 
spot, for he threw the money in his wife's lap, 
suggesting that she spend it for ice cream. 

The writer was amused as well as disgusted, 
for the avaricious prelude to the exhibition 
of generosity was still shining brightly in the 
foreground. 

It was undoubtedly done for effect, and we 
felt that the timid Mrs. Cole never had an 
opportunity to spend the money for ice cream. 

The next day we left Billings and proceeded 
westward. As on previous occasions Ruth 
occupied one of the passenger coaches, and as 
usual she had our tickets in her possession so 
as to save the conductor a trip into the bag- 
gage car. 

Several times during the summer Ruth had 
traveled on half fare. She was a little too old 
for such priviliges, but no one objected, and 
her juvenile appearance served to screen her 
from the conductors' pesonal inquiries. 

On the day mentioned she was riding on 
half fare between Billings and Livingston. 



96 The Traveling Trio 

The distance was short and we never dreamed 
of an interference. Besides the jovial con- 
ductor, this passenger train possessed an un- 
necessary evil called a ticket exchanger. Ruth 
was somewhat surprised to recognize in him 
the disagreeable Mr. Cole, whose feelings to- 
wards us were still below zero, as was finally 
proven. 

When Ruth presented our transportation 
he grasped his opportunity by the forelock, 
and began storming about the half ticket. 
After several ill-natured remarks he tried to 
scare her into paying the half fare, but owing 
to our experience the night previous she was 
not afraid of his bluster. It happened that I 
had the purse, so Ruth informed him that it 
would be necessary for him to interview me 
in the baggage car, if he desired the|money. 
For some reason Mr. Cole did not^carry out 
the suggestion, but when his efforts to make 
Ruth visit the baggage car and obtain the 
money, had proven in vain, he explained "mat- 
ters to the passing conductor, when that gen- 
tleman had heard the ticket exchanger's little 
say, he said good humoredly, "Oh that's all 
right," and then passed down the aisle. 

Mr. Cole was furious, but that was all the 
good it did. 



The Traveling Trio 97 

His attempts to get the best of the Nebraska 
trio were at an end. Three times he had tried 
to annoy us, and each time he had been defeat- 
ed; hence we say he laughs best who laughs 
last. 

On the afternoon of our arrival in Living- 
ston the weather was exceedingly cool, be- 
cause of a recent snowfall on the nearby 
mountains. Before sundown we were obliged 
to resurrect warmer wraps, which had not 
been used since leaving home. Livingston 
proved to be a thriving town of four thousand 
inhabitants. 

Among its many fine buildings is the North- 
ern Pacific depot, one of the most magnificent 
of its kind in Montana. 

The tourist who wishes to explore the great 
Yellowstone Park, can easily reach it by the 
branch line running to Gardner. From thence 
the pleasure seekers are conveyed to the park 
in a six horse stage. 

Our trio had a great desire to behold the 
wonders of the park, but two things prevented 
us from doing so. The advanced season and 
our eagerness to reach Oregon. 

Livingston was the only place on our route, 
where we failed to find a vacancy of some kind ; 



98 The Traveling Trio 

every hotel was crowded, and the private 
places had all they could accommodate. The 
overflow was caused by a fair which was to 
begin in a few days. 

It was against our principles to give up, but 
when the 15th call met with the same discour- 
aging answer, we suddenly concluded to leave 
Livingston on the next train. 

By inquiry we learned the train was not due 
until late, so we were elected to remain there 
two-thirds of the night. 

Our party returned to a cottage hotel whose 
landlady had impressed us favorably, when 
we called. It was not far from the depot, so 
the writer asked if they might rest in her par- 
lor until train time, as it would be much pleas- 
anter than waiting at the depot. 

The comfort-loving soul thought this would 
be too hard on us, so she kindly offered to 
open a lounge in the dining room, on which 
the girls might sleep until awakened by the 
alarm clock. Every time I awoke the girls 
were tossing and tumbling in a restless man- 
ner. It was something unusual, for they were 
quiet sleepers, and it was almost impossible 
to arouse them during the night. The cause 
of their disturbance was discovered however, 
before we left the house. Now it happened 



The Traveling Trio 99 

that in one way the much used lounge resem- 
bled the lodging places in Livingston. It was 
simply full to overflowing, and there were no 
accommodations for new lodgers. Hence the 
girls were attacked on all sides by the spiteful 
little desperadoes. 

One thing proved certain, those Montana 
pests are up with the times. Forsooth, when 
the alarm went off, and the light came on, the 
band skidooed in twenty-three directions. 

The early ride through the clear invigorat- 
ing atmosphere, was greatly enjoyed by our 
trio. 

We soon reached the first range of the 
Rockies, which afforded us a new experience. 
After traveling some distance on the mountain 
side, whose verdure was beautifully decorated 
with ripe berries and wild flowers, we passed 
through the Boseman tunnel 3652 feet in 
length, at this point the elevation was 5565 feet. 
It was the first time on our trip that I found it 
difficult to breathe. 

Shortly after leaving the tunnel we entered 
Boseman, or to be more exact, we reached the 
depot, one mile from the town mentioned. 

Some of the passengers made their way to 
the railroad hotel near by, while others took 
the horse-drawn street car for town. We were 



100 The Traveling Trio 

among the former for the location proved more 
convenient for our party. 

As expected, "Brown-Eyes" arrived on our 
train. After seeing us settled in the hotel, 
he and Dera proceeded to town, the latter 
going in quest of the postoffice before it closed. 
Boseman was one of our mail points, and to 
let the interesting letters go uncalled for until 
the morrow, was simply impossible. 

Now it happened that this was Sunday 
morning, the first time our trio had traveled 
on the Lord's day. Heretofore we had been 
able to prevent it, but on this occasion the 
circumstances over which we had no control 
made it necessary to do otherwise. 

The forenoon was pleasantly spent in the 
perusal of our mail, and the writing to absent 
ones. Whil the afternoon was spent in con- 
versing with our entertaining friend, "Brown- 
Eyes." During our two days' sojourn in 
Boseman, the writer was unable to visit the 
place because of inclement whether and the 
distance between depot and town. 

However we learned that this town of 4000 
has had two honors bestowed on it, namely 
the State Agricultural College, and the United 
States fish hatchery. 

On Monday evening our trio moved onward, 



The Traveling Trio 101 

but as the next two places offer naught of 
interest we will pass them by. 

A short distance beyond Helena, the capi- 
tal of Montana, we passed through the Mullen 
tunnel, which is about the same in length and 
elevation as the Boseman tunnel. Once more 
our train was provided with two engines, in 
order to make the ascent, but unlike the first, 
our passage through the western half of the 
Mullen tunnel sloped downward, therefore 
our train glided out into the open at a speed 
not altogether soothing to the nerves. 

Several days later there was a terrible wreck 
at this point, in which great damage was done, 
and a number of lives lost. 

At Garrison where we changed cars, several 
hours were spent in waiting for our train. 
This gave us an opportunity to admire our 
surroundings, which could be taken in at one 
glance. 

Forsooth the largest thing about Garrison 
was its name. The foreground some what 
resembled Mrs. Wiggs' cabbage patch. Sev- 
eral small stores, a hotel, and a number of 
houses were scattered about on the barren 
soil. l\ 

This was all the little village displayed, yet 
owing to nature's beautiful background, 



102 The Traveling Trio 

the scene before us was picturesque and 
impressive. 

The western view proved the most prom- 
inent on this occasion. 

A rustic bridge, a woodsy place, 
Where the purple shadows weave their lace, 

Beyond a ridge of mountains rise, 
To meet the flush of sunset skies; 

While over all a hush descends, 
Fair scene where peace with beauty blends. 

To the practical reader the small pen pic- 
ture may prove of no importance, however, I 
trust a goodly number of beauty-loving souls 
will read this book, for the writer is poetical, 
and her efforts to make the pen prosy are not 
always successful. Like the frisky young 
colt it will leap over the boundary line into the 
tempting field of verse. 

While we watched the glow fade from the 
evening scene, a number of Indians sauntered 
up to the depot. They were attired in the 
usual fashion, but the one who attracted the 
most attention was a reticent youth, whose 
hair hung in two long braids. 

A lady traveler tried to take his picture, but 
the wary savage had other intentions. He 
appeared to be afraid of the kodak and he lost 
no time in leaving our presence. 



The Traveling Trio 103 

The trip from Garrison to Missoula was 
made on the North Coast Limited running 
from St. Paul to Portland. In speed and 
accommodations this train excels all others 
on the Northern Pacific road. It is lighted 
with electricity throughout, which gives the 
train a beautiful appearance as it rushes 
through the darkness of night. 

Several hours of travel brought us to Hell 
Gate Canyon, where the train had been held 
up several times. The electrician, who spent 
his time in the baggage car where the dynamo 
was located, told us the interesting particulars 
connected with one of the hold-ups, in which 
he played a solid part. In a wild, remote 
spot the train always stopped to water. It 
was here under the cover of night, that the 
highwaymen performed their deeds. After 
the baggage car had been detached from the 
train, the engineer was requested to take it 
some distance up the track; of course he 
obeyed orders for there seemed to be nothing 
else to do, if he valued his life. 

When this had been accomplished, part of 
the desperadoes kept watch without, while 
their comrades gained an entrance to the bag- 
gage car. It is hardly necessary to say the 
baggage-master and the electrician were as 



104 The Traveling Trio 

docile as lambs. But that was the only prof- 
itable thing to do when death was pointed at 
them by several lawless men. 

The electrician confessed that he lost no 
time in obeying orders, and in doing so he was 
very careful not to arouse their suspicion by 
making a false movement. 

When the safe had been forced to give up 
its valuables, the robbers vanished in the dark- 
ness, and the train rolled on. It would be well 
to add that the desperadoes who escaped with 
their lives, are now making good use of their 
time in the penitentiary, having finally been 
captured in the third hold-up. Shortly after 
passing through Devil's Gap, called the Gate- 
way to Missoula, we reached our destination. 

It was about midnight and the friends we 
expected to visit, while in Missoula, chanced 
to reside in the opposite part of the city. 
Therefore we went to the nearest hotel in quest 
of a room, only to find the place crowded; as 
the hour was late we gave up the search and 
returned to the brilliantly lighted depot. The 
rest of the night was spent in the ladies' 
waiting room, where the goddess of sleep 
favored us with a few restful naps. 

About eight o'clock the next morning we 
set out to find our friend's place of business. 



The Traveling Trio 105 

He was editor of the Missoula Times, so we 
had no difficulty in locating his office. Ruth 
entered and requested him to step outside 
where someone wished to see him. 

When he appeared I called him by name, 
and asked him if he remembered me. For 
a moment he stood speechless, rubbing his 
head in a bewildered manner, then in a voice 
of genuine surprise he exclaimed, "Why Myrtle 
Tallman, you are the last person in the world 
I would have expected to see out here." We 
laughed merrily and gave him a brief outline 
of our unusual trip. 

He then gave our trio a cordial invitation to 
visit his home, adding that his wife, who was 
also an old friend of the writer's family, would 
be very glad to see us. 

During the next few days we had a delight- 
ful visit in this home. 

Our hostess who had spent most of her sin- 
gle blessedness in the schoolroom, was a bright, 
intellectual woman, and a good entertainer. 

When the business hours were over, our 
congenial host and his son added much to the 
merriment of our ! party. The evenings were gen- 
erally finished off by a musical treat, furnished 
by one of Edison's excellent phonographs. 

Missoula is the metropolis of western Mon- 



106 The Traveling Trio 

tana, and it is without doubt one of the most 
beautiful cities in the state. It has a popula- 
tion of nine thousand. The site of the city 
occupies both sides of the river, the two 
portions being connected by an imposing 
bridge, nearly a quarter of a mile in length. 

Besides the public school, Missoula possesses 
in the educational line a Carnegie library, a 
commercial college, Sacred Heart Academy, 
and the state university. The newcomer 
would have no trouble in finding a church 
home, as all denominations are represented in 
this city. 

The principal crops in this locality are fruit, 
grain, and vegetables. All of these are raised 
with great success by the help of irrigation, 
which is a necessity in Montana, as in other 
western states. 

After disposing of the practical part of 
Missoula, we will turn to the picturesque side, 
which always appeals to the artistic eye. 

The mere name Missoula is musical, as well 
as suggestive of untold beauty. The charm- 
ing little city is comparatively framed in 
mountains, for they loom up on all sides of 
the place. 

One evening we saw what was to us an 
unusual sight, a forest fire working out its 



The Traveling Trio 107 

destruction among the majestic pines on the 
side of Mt. Sentinel. 

Like a fiery serpent it slowly pursued its 
uncertain course, here and there, against the 
background of darkness. 

By daylight the mountains are not always 
the same; when their pineclad summits are 
veiled in purple haze, they seem quite a dis- 
tance from the city, but at other times when 
they stand out boldly against the sunlit sky, 
so close do the mountains appear that the un- 
experienced tourist is often deceived by the 
distance. 

One day while the westbound passenger 
train, was making its usual twenty minutes 
stop in Livingston, a gentleman thought to 
occupy his time by walking to the foot of a 
mountain which seemed within close range. 
After some time, as well as breath had been 
utilized in the attempt, he suddenly realized 
that, like the man who went in quest of the 
moon, he was apparently as far from the 
mountain as he was at the starting point. On 
returning to the depot the weary traveler 
found to his dismay, that the inconsiderate 
train had gone. He also learned that the 
mountain was at least four miles from the 
depot. 



108 The Traveling Trio 

Before leaving Missoula we received a card 
from ( 'Bro wn-Eyes ' ' , who had taken several side 
trips after leaving Boseman. He wrote that 
if nothing prevented he would again join us 
in Wallace, Idaho. 

On the morning of our departure from 
Missoula I had the ill fortune to damage one 
of my rubber tires; there was no time for re- 
pairs, and to lay over was contrary to plans, 
hence the misbehaved tire was torn from the 
wheel, and we boarded the train somewhat 
annoyed, if not altogether tireless. 

After an unventful day spent in the lonely 
little village of Iron Mountain, we again took 
up the thread of travel. This trip was one 
of the most enjoyable on our route, because of 
the grand scenery, and many objects of in- 
terest to be seen. 

For a time we rolled past beautiful wild 
flowers, tall imposing ferns, and majestic pine 
trees, all of which won our admiration. 

We then glided past a number of lumber 
mills and stopped at several small stations, 
where little of interest rewarded our gaze. 

At one time we beheld a small school house 
situated in a remote spot; the only feature 
worthy of mention was the American flag, 
which floated gayly in the morning sunlight 



The Traveling Trio 109 

above the structure. It was indeed pleasing 
to the patriotic eye to see old glory waving in 
that unsettled district. 

With little effort and only one engine, our 
train slowly ascended the mountain. At one 
point we were able to see two tracks below us, 
and as we proceeded a veil of smoke made it- 
self conspicious, due to forest fires which were 
marring the beauties of nature. In one place 
the fire was so near the track that the heat 
could be plainly felt. 

It was indeed a picture of black destruction, 
a great number of the magnificent trees lay 
charred and smoking, while many others were 
being rapidly consumed by the fiery serpents, 
which crept steadily up the grand old trunks. 

Another interesting feature was the horse- 
shoe tunnel, whose entrance could be plainly 
seen from the train, as we made our exit on the 
opposite side. 

It was exactly one o'clock by railroad time 
when we reached the summit of Bitter Root 
Mountain, 4680| feet above sea level. 

Shortly after crossing the line between 
Montana and Idaho we passed over the S 
bridge, which is several hundred feet in length. 
The trestle was constructed so as to form a 
letter S across the rocky gorge, and those who 



110 The Traveling Trio 

behold the bridge, consider it an excellent 
piece of workmanship. 

As we had sold "Crumbs of Thought " in 
nearly every altitude, from the depths of the 
coal mine to the mountain top, I wished to 
reach the limit by selling a book on the sum- 
mit of Bitter Root Mountain. Therefore as our 
train crossed the S bridge, we interviewed the 
conductor and disposed of a copy. 

A little later the baggage-master remarked 
that we could now write to our eastern friends 
of a snowstorm seen on the mountain side. 
On looking in the direction he pointed out, we 
we learned that the snowstorm in question 
was a valuable silver mine, the ore was con- 
veyed to the camp below, a distance of several 
miles, by the means of a cable to which cages 
were attached. 

This was only one of the many mines seen 
while making the descent. 

During the next few hours while coasting 
down the mountain side, Dame Nature con- 
tinued to unfold her picturesque scenery. 

It was about three o'clock when our train 
rolled into the historic little city of Wallace, 
Idaho. This interesting place is situated in 
the rich Coeur d'Alene district, where tin, gold, 
silver and lead mines were then in operation, 



The Traveling Trio 111 

besides the extensive smelting works. Since 
the discovery of this wealth-giving region in 
1884, the mines have produced more than 
$200,000,000 in gold, silver and lead. Right 
here let me add that two-thirds of the lead used 
in the United States is obtained from the Coeur 
d'Alene district, where peace and prosperity 
reign. However, about eight years ago all was 
vice versa, a wave of dissatisfaction swept over 
the mining camp, because of the fact that 
many of the men were getting higher wages 
than others received for their labor. Finally 
the storm burst, and trouble prevailed. On 
the night of April 29th, 1898, a mob of angry 
men took possession of the Northern Pacific 
train for the purpose of conveying a large 
quantity of powder to Wardner. When the 
deed had been successfully accomplished they 
lost no time in destroying the valuable Bunk- 
er Hill Sullivan mill, this being the company 
that payed the lowest wages. 

In a short time the U. S. troops arrived, and 
martial laws were established, many of the 
men were imprisoned and about a dozen 
punished. 

But fortunately for all concerned the trouble 
was of short duration. 

The mine was soon in operation, with the 



112 The Traveling Trio 

wages adjusted to the satisfaction of those 
employed, the Bunker Hill alone .. paying 
$180,000 per month in dividends. We were 
told that during the disturbance in Wallace, 
the soldiers picketed their horses near Lead 
Creek whose waters are said to be poisonous. 
The results were somewhat touching, for many 
of the animals died from eating oats which 
had been placed on the ground. It was 
thought the grain absorbed the poison, there- 
by killing the horses. 

After making a number of fruitless inquiries, 
our Nebraska trio found a comfortable loca- 
tion in the Coeur d'Alene Hotel. As in many 
other places there were no vacant rooms on 
the first floor, so we were given the parlor, 
which proved both pleasant and spacious. It 
was here that I dispensed with my damaged 
wheel, while it went to the shop for repairs. 
We afterwards learned that the trouble was 
caused by a common pin, which had worked 
its way between the tires. Just another ex- 
ample of what little things may do in this 
world. 

One morning at breakfast the girls chanced 
to learn that their table companion was an 
author, as well as a staff correspondent on a 
Denver paper. 



The Traveling Trio 113 

On being told of me and my interest in 
literary work, he expressed a desire to meet 
the writer. Therefore after breakfast was 
over I received a call from our fellow traveler. 

He was an intellectual gentleman with a 
poetical mind and a philanthropist's heart, as 
the reader will see in the following lines. We 
had an interesting talk on literary work, 
which ended in an exchange of books, both of 
which were poems, his last publication was 
entitled " Western Chimes," while mine was 
christened "Crumbs of Thought." We also 
discussed the great beautiful west, which he 
had traveled in the interest of his magazine. 

Our new friend was quick to appreciate the 
beauties of nature, and his eloquent descrip- 
tions of the picturesque scenery viewed in the 
vicinity of Wallace, were very impressive. 
During our interview he related a chapter of 
real life, which came to his notice a few days 
prior to our arrival. The story was true as 
well as pathetic. 



114 The Traveling Trio 




A GLIMPSE OF PATERNAL LOVE. 

HILE waiting for his train at a little 
station not far from Wallace, our 
friend's attention was attracted to a 
man who was walking up and down 
the platform, with a sweet little girl 
of four years. 

The lower part of the stranger's face was 
covered with a short dark beard, which was 
not altogether becoming. His overalls were 
worn through at the knees, and his ragged old 
shoes were certainly on their last feet. On 
conversing with the man our Denver friend 
learned much of interest concerning the un- 
fortunate stranger, who had walked from 
Perry, Oklahoma. We had frequently heard 
that when it rains, it pours. Well, this was 
true in the case mentioned. It happened that 
this man had lost a $5,000 wheat crop by hail; 
shortly after his young wife suddenly died. 
Then his inconsiderate creditors took his wagon 
and teams on a mortgage. He had few friends, 
no employment and no money. Little Grace 
was all he had left, therefore the man started 



The Traveling Trio 115 

out afoot for a certain town in Washington. 
At that place he had relatives, who would care 
for the child, while he sought employment. 

Over hills, plains, and mountains, he brave- 
ly tramped with a cheap telescope strapped 
on his back, and little Grace on one arm. The 
child was certainly a great comfort to her 
father, for she sang or chattered gayly, when 
not playing with her rag doll, which she car- 
ried all the way. 

Whenever, they were nearing a new town, 
the little prophetess would tell her father 
correctly whether the place was good or bad, 
meaning that they would be treated kindly or 
unkindly. They crossed a goodly part of the 
Bitter Root Mountain at night, contrary to 
the advice of people who were interested in 
the two. They told him of the wild animals 
in that locality, which might be out look- 
ing for a meal. In case of such an encounter, 
there was little the man could do to protect 
himself and child. Then too, the narrow 
mountain path was not considered safe after 
dark. In some places one slip of the foot 
would have meant death on the rocks below. 

However, the courageous man sallied forth 
in the face of danger, with little Grace clinging 



116 The Traveling Trio 

to him, and a large, strong club grasped tightly 
in one hand. 

By and by they reached the neighborhood 
of a forest fire, whose heat at times became 
almost unbearable. The father was often 
obliged to shield his child's face with his hat 
to prevent it from blistering. Finally the 
weary traveler reached the little station re- 
cently referred to. It was there our Denver 
friend met him, and heard his story. 

When he learned that the stranger intended 
walking to Wallace, he let the westbound train 
roll on without him. A little later two men 
were seen wending their way toward the town 
mentioned, part of the time little Grace trav- 
eled in the arms of her new friend, which was 
certainly a relief to the father who carried her 
so many hundred miles. As they were about 
to enter Wallace the child exclaimed, "It's a 
good town, a pretty town". On his arrival 
the stranger only possessed forty cents, but 
brighter days were in store for him. Our 
Denver friend accompanied the man in his 
calls on the carpenters, and he soon obtained 
a good three days' job at fifty cents an hour. 
This bit of good fortune greatly encouraged 
the man, for it would enable him to reach the 
desired town in Washington. A kind family 



The Traveling Trio 117 

cared for the child while he was at work, and 
she played happily with a new doll the people 
had given her. 

Having been told of the unusual trip taken 
by the Nebraska trio, and hearing of the in- 
terest we took in his undertaking, the stranger 
called at the hotel to see us. He was poorly 
clad, and very sad in appearance. But that 
made no difference with our party, we con- 
versed pleasantly, and learned much regard- 
ing his trip, which he then intended to write 
up in book form. It seems that the stranger 
and his child were not always treated kindly 
by the people with whom they came in con- 
tact. Ah, no, there were some selfish mortals, 
whose hearts were apparently made of stone. 
They evidently believe in saving all they can 
and canning all they save. But thank good- 
ness, they will be unable to take their canned 
goods into the next world. 

If such a thing were possible, their savings 
would most assuredly melt in the fire prepared 
for them. 

The father's love for his little daughter 
was profound; when the Perry advisers sug- 
gested that the child remain there while he 
went elsewhere in quest of employment, the 



118 The Traveling Trio 

father informed them that where he went the 
child would go also. 

When speaking of little Grace to us, he said 
in a tearful voice that she was all he had in the 
world, all he had to live for, and no one should 
separate them. When the writer expressed 
a desire to see the child, he said if there was 
no carpenter work that afternoon he would 
call with little Grace. But we were disappoint- 
ed by the nonappearance of both, and the next 
next day took a side trip up the canyon. 



Our first attempt was a failure, for we 
reached the depot in time to see the distance 
widening between us and the outgoing train. 
Therefore we had the pleasure of waiting a 
number of hours for the next train. On the 
day prior to our departure, the Denver gentle- 
man after returning from a ramble, presented 
the writer with a fine collection of ore, and an 
exquisite bouquet of sweet peas; flowers were 
not plentiful in that vicinity just then, it 
being the middle of September. When we 
spoke of continuing our journey west, he ad- 
vised us to take a side trip up the canyon, 
saying it was a novelty that no tourist could 
afford to miss. 



The Traveling Trio 119 




FOUR DAYS IN THE CANYON. 

NUMBER of trains roll up and down 

each day, making it very convenient 

for the traveler. The high walls of 

the narrow canyon were not altogether 

deprived of beauty, for here and there, 

the artistic hand of nature had placed a 

growth of bushes, a few pine trees, or a patch 

of ferns. 

On the sloping floor of the canyon there was 
very little room for improvement, two rail- 
roads tracks, and the Lead creek recently men- 
tioned occupied the center, while scattered 
along on both sides were the five mining vil- 
lages, Gem, Frisco, Blackbear, Mace, and 
Burke. The last mentioned was situated at 
the end of the seven mile canyon, where the 
railroad ceased. At this point the elevation 
was 2000 feet above the sea. Our first stop 
was in Mace ; there was no depot, so the train 
drew up in front of a large hotel, where the 
passengers alighted, the mail bags were also 
thrown off, for the Mace postoffice was located 
in one corner of the hotel office. After some 



120 The Traveling Trio 

inquiry, our trio engaged a furnished room in 
a private house, about four blocks up the can- 
yon. Our new lodging place was almost half 
way between Burke and Mace. As the house 
stood but a few feet from the track, we felt, as 
well as heard and saw, the numerous trains 
that thundered by. Our room was lighted by 
electricity, likewise the hotels and other im- 
portant buildings in the canyon. The lights 
were furnished by a mighty water power in 
Spokane a hundred miles way. 

Our trio spent four pleasant days in this 
interesting locality, where we kept house on a 
small scale. After purchasing a supply of eat- 
ables, we lived in a picnic fashion which 
proved a delightful treat. Hot coffee was 
easily obtained at the hotel whenever desired, 
and when we wished a change of living our 
party took a meal at the place mentioned. 
There was usually something of interest to be 
seen or heard in the Mace hotel, which shel- 
tered and fed several hundred miners. It was 
especially interesting to visit the place at sup- 
per time, when the men came and went. The 
refreshed night force filed out with their laden 
dinner pails, ready for the underground work 
awaiting them. 

A little later the weary day force appeared 



The Traveling Trio 121 

with empty pails and blackened faces. After 
a time the men with transformed complexions 
made their way to the spacious dining room, 
where the eatables were rapidly mowed away 
by keen appetites. The miners were roughly 
clad, but in conduct they were quiet and 
gentlemanly when in our presence. When 
our trio arrived in the canyon, part of our 
evenings were spent at the hotel, which was a 
pleasant diversion as well as a novelty. 

When we came in contact with this class of 
fellowmen, the writer often wondered whether 
they had homes, and why they had chosen the 
hard monotonous life of a miner. No doubt 
some of them were in quest of wealth, while 
others had severed themselves from the world 
for a purpose. 

Perhaps misfortune, sorrow, or some evil 
deed had driven them thither, where they 
hoped with the aid of hard work and new 
scenes to live down the past. 

The writer, while conversing with a miner, 
was surprised to receive his confidence. It 
was the same sad story of a disappointment 
and a wounded heart. I regret to add that 
the party that proved untrue was a Nebraska 
girl. 

One evening while on our way up the track, 



122 The Traveling Trio 

we were overtaken when a short distance from 
the hotel, by the man of whom we rented our 
room. After several remarks had been ex- 
changed, he informed us that it was hardly 
safe for young ladies to venture out after dark 
without an escort. The canyon was frequent- 
ly visited By wild animals that became quite 
bold at times. A few nights previous, as our 
friend was returning from Burke, he suddenly 
became conscious that a panther was follow- 
ing him. Now and then the silence was 
broken by a scream, which was not altogether 
soothing. 

Our friend actually admitted that he would 
have started for home on the run, if the moon- 
light had not enabled him to keep a safe look- 
out. The unexpected news was a great sur- 
prise and it naturally made us a little uneasy. 
We had never dreamed of harm in our new 
location, for our trio had come from Nebraska, 
where there was no danger of being attacked 
by wild animals after dark. The only disturb- 
ing thought that crossed our minds at night, 
was the possibility of coming in contact with 
one of those ungentlemanly beings called 
man. 

But we were more fortunate than the noto- 
rious old maid, who eventually found her 



The Traveling Trio 123 

heart's desire under the bed one night. It 
will be remembered that instead of embracing 
her long looked for man, the frightened spin- 
ster called loudly for help to extricate the 
intruder. 

The object of our fears never materialized, 
so we wasted no time in foolish timidity, while 
residing in Nebraska, but when told of the 
danger which invaded the canyon, we decided 
that as our party had not gone there to feed 
wild animals, it would be advisable to spend 
the next two evenings in our room. 

Among the unusual things seen while in 
Mace, was a hand car drawn up the track by 
horses, the ascent being apparently too difficult 
for the men to undertake alone. 

As there were no roads or sidewalks, the 
railroad tracks were used by foot passengers, 
as well as by every conceivable equipage. 

One day we were amused by a wash out on 
the line ; it was not the garments that proved 
so humorous, but the new fashion in which the 
clothes were hung up to dry. One end of the 
line was attached to the house, and from there 
it was stretched over a pulley some distance up 
on the side of the canyon. In this manner 
the washing could be pulled up or down as 
desired. 



124 The Traveling Trio 

Before continuing let me mention the kind- 
ness shown us by the train crew; no matter 
how rough or busy they chanced to be, the 
crew always found time to favor the Nebraska 
trio. 

Once they stopped the train in front of our 
lodging place, so that Dera could disembark 
with her parcels; this saved her a walk of 
several blocks. Another time we reached 
the hotel as the train was pulling out, but the 
engineer saw us, and brought the train to a 
standstill. They were also pleasant and 
obliging whenever we came in contact with 
them. 

One morning there was a rap on our door, 
and when opened we found "Brown-Eyes" 
standing without; after handing us a box of 
bon bons with a cheery greeting, he continued 
on his way to Burke, where we expected to go 
on the following day. The card we mailed 
to him in Wallace, telling him of our 
whereabouts had been received. Heretofore 
"Brown-Eyes" had taken an undivided in- 
terest in the members of our party, but on 
this occasion his preference was shown by the 
bon bons, the box being addressed to Dera. 
The next morning we took the train for Burke 
as planned. This mining village is situated 



The Traveling Trio 125 

at the end of the railroad, a short distance 
from Mace. After alighting at the little de- 
pot, we proceeded to the Tiger Pullman hotel, 
a good sized structure with modern improve- 
ments, where about four hundred miners 
boarded. 

When a number of books had been sold and 
we had partaken of the noonday repast, the 
writer took life easy on the front porch, while 
Dera and Ruth climbed up the canyon side in 
quest of ferns. After a time they returned 
with a quantity of beautiful verdant sprays, 
some of which were several feet in length. 
As soon as their arms were empty, the girls 
proceeded to decorate the writer and her chair 
with nature's splendor. In a few moments I 
was completely covered with ferns, only my 
face being visible through the cool net work 
of green. In this fashion we took a short 
walk for the lack of something better to do. 
Of course our display attracted some attention, 
but as green is soothing to the optical organs, 
we did not care. The natives of that place 
evidently thought our party had foolish ideas, 
for they seemed to appreciate ferns about as 
much as the Nebraska people do their beauti- 
ful sunflowers. 

Shortly after our return to the hotel, 



126 The Traveling Trio 

"Brown-Eyes" appeared with his camera. 
He had been taking pictures, which would be 
of value to the eastern magazine. A pleasant 
intercourse followed, in which we laid out our 
plans for some distance ahead. 

Our trio intended to eat supper in Wallace 
that night, for we had already spent four 
days in the canyon. However, "Brown-Eyes" 
thought it advisable for him to spend more time 
among the mining camps, before returning to 
the main line. 

A little later we started for the depot with a 
good impression of Burke and the people with 
whom we had come in contact. This included 
the hard-working miners, many of whom we 
learned were diamonds in the rough; also the 
proprietor of the hotel, who was exceedingly 
kind to the Nebraska trio. It was not sur- 
prising that we resolved to visit the canyon 
again, if the future permitted us to pass that 
way. As usual Dera and I traveled in the 
baggage car, while Ruth found a seat in the 
adjoining coach. 

Shortly after leaving Burke, Miss Dera 
picked up a sweet pea from the floor near her 
feet. It was the first time we had seen a flower 
in the canyon and the finding of one in the 
baggage car aroused our curiosity. Of course 



The Traveling Trio 127 

we expressed surprise, as well as wonderment 
as to how the flower came there. 

By and by Dera whispered the unexpected 
truth in an awe-stricken voice. Once more 
we were in the presence of death, but this time 
it impressed us more deeply than before. The 
corpse was that of an infant, and it silently 
told of a shadowed home where grief-stricken 
hearts mourned the loss of their little one. 

Just a tiny white casket 

Placed there with tender care, 
Strewn o'er with fresh sweet blossoms, 

Like that found near my chair. 
Only a small white casket 

Which held a gem most rare, 
A spray of heaven's heart's-ease, 

The angels could not spare. 

Dera and I presently found that we were 
not the only interested parties in the car, a 
strange gentleman standing near the open 
door, was evidently related to the little one; 
every now and then he glanced in that direc- 
tion, and a tear was frequently brushed from 
his manly cheek. 

Under the circumstances our seven mile 
ride to Wallace was far from pleasant. When 
we reached the station, the little flower-stewn 
casket was handed to a gentleman without. 



128 The Traveling Trio 

With care he bore it to a double seated car- 
riage which waited for the mourners and their 
sleeping love. A little later the carriage 
rolled out of sight, but not out of the writer's 
memory. 



The Traveling Trio 129 



ACROSS THE COEUR D'ALENE LAKE. 

jlllll HE next day we moved westward as 

P1§S far as Harrison, which is situated on 
one side of the Coeur d'Alene Lake. 
This body of water is ten miles wide 
and thirty miles long, the depth is unknown 
for at that time we were told they had not been 
able to find the bottom. After one night and 
part of a day had been spent in the town, we 
took a steam boat for Coeur d' Alene City,on 
the opposite side of the lake. It was a beau- 
tiful afternoon, the sun shone brightly on 
the lake, giving it the appearance of a large 
mirror. 

As soon as we were aboard, Ruth and Dera 
made a tour of inspection over the boat. It 
was the first time our trio had traveled on the 
water and the girls meant to obtain all there 
was in the new experience. 

When the baggage and freight had been 
conveyed to the boat, the gangway was re- 
moved, and the gate closed, then with the 
usual signals of whistle, clanging of gongs and 



130 The Traveling Trio 

ringing of bells, the boat moved away from 
the shore. Slowly the town of Harrison re- 
ceded, until it vanished in the distance. Hour 
after hour o'er the shining water we glided, 
whose depths might have filled some with 
anxiety, but our trio seldom crossed bridges 
before they were reached, so we worried not. 

There were a number of life preservers hang- 
ing near for immediate use, but beyond the 
heavenly blue was One who we felt would 
protect the Nebraska trio. 

The surface of the lake was smooth, except 
the path of foam and the waves which the boat 
wheel churned up in our wake. 

As the shadows were pointing to the supper 
hour, we came in sight of Coeur d' Alene City. 
The landing at this place was about level with 
the first 'floor, so the boatmen carried my chair 
safely down a narrow flight of stairs. 

From there our party was guided through 
the mechanical part of the boat, past furnace, 
boiler, and machinery to the opening through 
which we would shortly land. 

As we neared the shore there was a great 
commotion on our floor, the boatmen hurried 
here and there as though greatly excited, 
while, forsooth, they were only making prep- 
arations to land. Besides the usual signals, 



The Traveling Trio 131 

which were too loud to be appreciated, the 
machinery creaked and the boat groaned as it 
swung around to the shore. 

There was little of interest connected with 
our lay-off in Coeur d' Alene City, so we will 
pass it by. 

On the following eve at sunset our trio took 
the train for Spokane a city of eighty thousand 
inhabitants. The dust of darkness slowly 
settled on the earth, as our train rushed to- 
ward the glowing west. Never before had the 
writer seen such a glorious sunset; the sky 
before us was aflame with beautiful colors 
which the artist could not portray. We 
accepted the brilliant foreground as an omen 
of good, and rolled merrily on to the uncertain- 
ties awaiting us. 

As our trio were strangers to the approach- 
ing city, the conductor w^hose run ended in 
Spokane, was questioned as to desirable 
hotels. He soon referred us to the Petticord 
Hotel, a large structure conducted on the 
European plan. As we neared the city a 
beautiful sight met our eyes, against the dark 
background of night were myriads of shining 
gems, a garden of flowery disks, which were at 
close range electric lights. 



132 The Traveling Trio 



A DAY IN SPOKANE. 

i POKANE is named after a tribe of 
jj§|| Indians, meaning the children of the 
sun. This city with its beautiful sur- 
roundings and magnificient water 
power, is the business center of eastern Wash- 
ington. It unfolds much for the admiration 
and entertainment of the tourist. But our 
party had little time to devote to sight seeing. 

After a late breakfast we prepared ourselves 
for the street, whose hum of activity could be 
plainly heard within. When a few books had 
been sold and a little shopping done, we de- 
cided to look up Professor Schoedler, a 
great musician whose musical education had 
been completed in Germany. 

The Denver correspondent whom we met in 
Wallace, was a friend of his and he had re- 
quested us to call on the musician while in 
Spokane, saying that our trio would be favored 
with a musical treat if we informed the musi- 
cian that he had sent us. 

We had no trouble in finding the grand 
auditorium, where we learned from the elevator 



The Traveling Trio 133 

boy that Professor Schoedler's study was on the 
topmost floor. In a few moments our party 
and two other passengers were on the fifth floor 
which was as high as the elevator went. After 
seeing me located in a pleasant place near a 
window, the girls proceeded up two flights of 
stairs in quest of the musician's study. 

The reader may think the writer was a 
trifle lonely during theirabsence, but such was 
not the case. My time was occupied by our 
elevator companions, a bright young woman 
and her restless little son. The former I soon 
learned had followed for the purpose of talking 
Christian Science. She certainly meant well, 
and the writer has nothing whatever against 
her, but for certain reasons of my own I could 
not absorb or appreciate her animated dis- 
course. It happened that I had come in 
contact with Christian Science before, to the 
detriment of the belief. Forsooth, I was once 
treated by one of their healers, who proved of 
no benefit to me. Shortly after my experi- 
ence with him, the man was driven out of the 
city because he permitted a lady to die, when 
medical aid would have saved her. 

My efforts to introduce a new subject of 
mutual interest were in vain. The persistent 
stranger continued to spin out Christian Sci- 



134 The Traveling Trio 

ence. Every now and then the weary listener 
had a moment of relief, caused by the restless 
little boy who had been left to amuse himself. 
In doing this he occasionally leaned out of 
the open window, to the great alarm of his 
mother; at such times when her child was in 
danger of being crushed on the pavement 
below, the anxious woman forgot Christian 
Science and its wonderful power over the mind. 
Under the circumstances the girls' return was 
a welcome interruption; they informed me 
that Professor Schoedler would play for us in 
the music store across the street, if we would 
meet him there in a few moments. 

Our trio at once descended in the elevator, 
accompanied by the Christian Scientist and 
her child who followed us to the music store. 
Shortly after our arrival the musician entered ; 
he was tall and slender, with a dignified 
bearing. 

With a pleasant greeting he seated himself 
before one of the pianos. It is impossible for 
words to describe the soul-thrilling melody he 
produced, hence I simply say it was sublime 
and inspiring. When the last selection had 
died away in a low and sweet murmur, we ex- 
pressed our sincere appreciation of the musical 
treat. After this Professor Schoedler spent a 



The Traveling Trio 135 

few moments in conversation with our party 
before taking his departure. 

After the noonday repast, we set out to find 
a Nebraska friend employed as stenographer 
by the Great Northern Railroad Co. A pleas- 
ant walk of many blocks brought us to the 
three story depot, only to find that my friend 
had been transferred to a suburban station 
several miles away. The place could be reached 
by street car, but as our trio expected to 
leave Spokane that night, we had no time to 
spend in side trips. 

While retracing our steps we chanced to 
meet the Christian Scientist and a lady of the 
same belief. Once more we were presented 
with the tiresome subject of the morning, with 
the wish that we call on a certain woman who 
had been wonderfully healed through Christian 
Science. 

The party referred to was then assisting 
her husband in a small store some distance 
away. Now it happened that I had frequently 
heard of such marvelous cures, but unfortu- 
nately I had never seen or known the party, who 
received a blessing, hence the writer was a 
trifle curious to meet this particular woman. 

Finally one of the ladies and I decided to 
remain in the entrance of a public building 



136 The Traveling Trio 

while the others went to look up the woman in 
question. During their absence we had an 
interesting debate on Christian Science. My 
companion had the courage to say pain was a 
mere fancy, and there was no need of being 
ill; by studying Christian Science literature 
and by accepting the right thought, one would 
receive health and happiness. But alas, her 
well meant words fell on desert air, the writer 
has suffered enough to know that pain is a 
stern reality; if this be untrue, what about 
the young babe whose undeveloped mind is 
not capable of imagination? After a long 
interval of colic, the pathetic cries of the little 
one suddenly cease. The pain has departed, 
and the babe is at ease. Was this merely a 
piece of imagination? No, indeed. The writer 
also knows that sickness, as well as death can 
not always be prevented ; they will eventually 
visit every home in the land. If this were not 
so, why do the Christian Scientists wilt before 
the power of disease, or yield to the great 
reaper's scythe? 

After a lengthy absence, the wanderers 
returned from their fruitless search. The 
store they sought had been transferred to 
other quarters, and their new address could 
not be ascertained. 



The Traveling Trio 137 

The westbound train was unusually late 
that night, despite the fact that a large crowd 
of people awaited its coming. At first our 
trio ate chocolates and chatted on various 
subjects of interest, but after a time this 
proved monotonous, and we were content in 
watching our fellow travelers. 

A belated train in the hours of the night is 
an X-ray which brings the true character of a 
man to the surface. Those who make the best 
of what comes, always find something to 
occupy their time. When not conversing 
with fellow travelers, they read a little or take 
a few restful naps. But there are others who 
apparently think the world was made for 
them; instead of patiently enduring what can 
not be helped, they annoy the station agent 
with questions as to where the train is now, 
or when it will arrive. When not occupied in 
this manner, they grumble and frown at their 
fellowmen, as though they were to blame for 
the inconvenience. It was one o'clock, when 
the whistle of our train aroused the weary 
passengers to activity. With grips, lunch 
boxes and children, the crowd prepared to 
make their way to the door. At this point a 
gentleman employed in the depot, came to 
inform us that our party should be the first to 



138 The Traveling Trio 

leave the building. We followed him as ad- 
vised, and it was somewhat amusing to watch 
him part the grumbling crowd before us. Fi- 
nally we reached the door, which to our great 
surprise had been locked to keep people back. 
Another employee standing on guard, im- 
mediately opened the door and our trio passed 
safely out. As we proceeded down the plat- 
form between two trains the depot watchman 
overtook us; he kindly escorted our party to 
the westbound train, before bidding us a 
cheery good night. 

After reading these acts of kindness, the 
reader will cease wondering why this book 
was dedicated to the railroad employees. 



The Traveling Trio 139 



OUR EXPERIENCES IN PASCO. 

g|g| HE next three days being uneventful, 
Pill they will be omitted from these pages. 
However, in the next few towns we 
heard much regarding Pasco, a small 
town farther west. The information was not 
complimentary, hence it was with some mis- 
givings that we finally landed in the place 
mentioned. The darkness had settled over 
the landscape, and being unfamiliar with the 
town, we entered the depot to make inquiries. 
A hotel porter soon interviewed us, but as he 
did not make favorable impressions on our 
trio, we accepted the night watchman's kind 
offer to assist us in finding a hotel. Having 
had no supper, our trio visited a cafe near by, 
where we partook of light refreshments, while 
our escort went in quest of a lodging place. 
His efforts were unavailing, however, and we 
were obliged to patronize the hotel whose 
porter we had previously met. The large 
room assigned us had evidently served as a 
parlor sometime, for it possessed a piano, as 
well as an outside door opening on the street. 



140 The Traveling Trio 

Ruth could play some and our entire party- 
could whistle and sing to a certain extent. 
Therefore we had several private entertain- 
ments, which we afterward learned were 
enjoyed by a fourth party. This individual 
was a wayward young man who had for some 
time been confined to an adjoining room. We 
learned that he had been seriously injuried 
while intoxicated, by falling from the plat- 
form of a passenger train. Sick, alone and 
among strangers, far from his eastern home 
it was certainly a sad picture of blighted man- 
hood, painted in the shades of strong drink by 
the hand of evil associates. 

The next day proved showery, but this did 
not prevent our party from seeing the town. 
The writer usually accompanied the girls, for 
the pure rain drops were preferable to the 
sentimental porter; he became very annoying 
at times, thanks to the habit of drink, which 
will make a fool of any man. 

A number of books were sold, and the even- 
ing found us at the depot in readiness for the 
westbound train. Shortly after our entrance 
a woman on the opposite side of the waiting 
room began weeping in a distressed manner. 
Dera went to ascertain the cause of her grief, 
and to offer our assistance. After telling her 



The Traveling Trio 141 

sad story which was poorly connected, the 
woman finished by saying she had been un- 
kindly treated at the hotel we had patronized. 
Her statement seemed incredible and we felt 
doubtful as to her sanity, nevertheless our trio 
went to the hotel for the purpose of making 
inquiries. No one knew who the woman was, 
or where she had come from. We learned she 
had behaved strangely at the hotel and the 
inmates came to the conclusion that she was 
demented. We returned to the depot, but 
not to the woman you may be sure. She 
still had our sympathy, but we thought it 
advisable not to cultivate her acquaint- 
ance. 

A little later the woman w r as seized with 
the idea that she must leave town on the 
switch engine, a scene followed and the men 
had quite a time keeping her back. Before 
leaving Pasco, we were told that the woman 
had finally gone to another hotel for the night. 
This exciting event was followed by another, 
which helped to pass the time more quickly. 

Among the late arrivals, was a young man 
whose baggage consisted of a large roll of 
blankets; after placing them in a compara- 
tively safe location, he left the depot for a time. 
Shortly after his departure a second young 



142 The Traveling Trio 

man entered with a business-like air, took 
possession of the blankets, with the curt 
remark that "the waiting room was no place 
for baggage," and hurried out. We supposed 
he was in some way connected with the depot, 
and thought no more of the incident. A 
little later the owner returned to find his prop- 
erty missing; on making inquiries he found 
that the depot employees had never taken his 
baggage, neither had they seen the young man 
who took it. The people in waiting were 
questioned as to his appearance, but no one 
was able to furnish a satisfactory descrip- 
tion. 

The color of his suit and the fact that his 
hat was tilted forward so as to shadow his 
face, were the only items of information 
obtained. The owner of the lost goods did 
not care particularly for the blankets, but it 
seemed the roll contained an expensive suit, 
a pair of new shoes and a number of other 
valuable articles. A search was made for the 
thief, but no trace of him had been found when 
our train arrived. 

When we told the baggage-master of the 
evening's events, he said that was nothing 
unusual for Pacso. 

Several nights prior to our arrival, a man 



The Traveling Trio 143 

was shot at the depot. The reputation of 
the village was certainly founded on facts. 
Before reaching our next stop we crossed 
the Columbia River, which was only a mile 
in width at that point. 



144 The Traveling Trio 



VISITING FRIENDS IN PUYALLUP. 

g¥|| HE next place of interest was Puyal- 

WlSm m P> where we landed one Saturday 
night. The writer had friends there, 
the Presbyterian minister and family, 
who were once residents of Nebraska. 

By following the night watchman's direc- 
tions, we soon reached the parsonage, which 
was shrouded in darkness. The family had 
retired, although the hour was not yet late. 
Several rings of the door bell aroused the 
sleepers on the second floor. 

The minister descended as soon as possible, 
thinking we were a couple who wished to be 
united in marriage. 

The next day being Sunday, we had an 
opportunity of hearing a good sermon from 
our friend's pulpit. During the afternoon 
two clergymen called to see the family. They 
took a great interest in our trio and the book 
"Crumbs of Thought." 

Before taking their departure one of the 
gentleman wished to purchase a copy, but as 
I never sold my literary work on Sunday, the 



The Traveling Trio 145 

minister was told of the fact in a carefully 
worded phrase. 

The announcement, though unexpected, was 
received in the right spirit and he returned 
the money to his pocket saying, "That is all 
right, I admire your principles." 

Monday morning we awoke to find the sky 
overcast. We also learned something of 
greater importance, when Dera went out to 
sell a few books, namely that Puyallup had a 
law which prevented agents from canvassing 
in the town. This proved of great "inconven- 
ience to our party and we were glad there were 
no hotel bills to pay. That night after two 
days pleasantly spent with old friends, we 
took the train for Tacoma despite the falling 
rain. 



10 



146 The Traveling Trio 



TACOMA, THE CITY OF DESTINY. 

gjgglFTEEN miles riding brought us to 

ilii Tacoma, a city of 75,000 inhabitants. 
It is situated upon a high bluff that 
rises nearly 200 feet above tide water, 
and overlooks the broad expanse of Com- 
mencement Bay at the extreme southeast of 
Puget Sound, while the vast dome of Mount 
Tacoma glistens bright beneath its crest of 
snowy splendor. 

A railway has been built to the base of 
Mount Tacoma through a beautiful agricul- 
tural country. Therefore the tourist is able 
to view at close range the giant of all giants, 
while heretofore only the professional moun- 
tain climber cared to undertake the task. A 
fleet of about one hundred large ocean steamers 
are regular liners, plying between Tacoma and 
other ports of the world. 

The city's chief industries are shipping, 
commerce, lumbering, and her manufactures. 
Tacoma is a beautiful place for the summer 
tourist, because of its commanding situation, 
and its pleasant surroundings. 



The Traveling Trio 147 

On leaving our train we found that the 
clouds still yielded moisture, while darkness 
prevailed except where the electric lights 
shone. 

Once more our trio received a kindness from 
a railroad employee, who phoned to the near- 
est hotel, for the porter and umbrellas. It 
was not long before that gentleman appeared 
and we were soon pushing through the mud 
and rain. 

Before our destination was reached, we had 
a merry time ascending a steep place in the 
walk. The slippery condition of things, made 
progress a trifle slow but finally after many 
humorous attempts, we mounted the difficulty 
and reached the Newport Hotel. 

The Nebraska trio's first appearance was 
far from charming, thanks to Washington's 
autumn rain, which would take the starch out 
of anything. Forsooth, it actually penetrated 
the writer's rain-proof robe on this occasion, 
but in spite of wet clothing and inclement 
weather we kept the fire of humor burning 
brightly with merry jests, which enabled us 
to see the sunny side of our situation. 

Among the things Miss Dera had carried 
was a sack of delicious fruit. The last moment 
before leaving Puyallup, she found that her 



148 The Traveling Trio 

manicure set had been omitted in packing, 
therefore it was hurriedly thrust in the sack 
with the fruit. When we arrived at the hotel 
in Tacoma, the first thing noticed was, to our 
great amusement, the empty sack which Dera 
carried. The bottom had dropped out and 
the contents were gone. As soon as a room 
had been put in readiness for our trio, we 
retired without delay. In so doing our party 
derived no harm from the night's experience, 
and the morning found our clothing dry and 
our spirits high. 

Once more the city's hum of activity reached 
our ears, and we arose to meet what the new- 
born day had to offer. 

The Newport Hotel had been but recently 
erected, therefore the interior had that clean 
fresh appearance not found in every hotel. 
The room we occupied was furnished in pink 
like the flush of dawn. While the apartment 
next to ours was furnished in a soft shade of 
green. 

When breakfast was over we proceeded to 
the postoffice. Dera received a letter from 
"Brown-Eyes" who expected to arrive in 
Tacoma that very morning; in conclusion he 
requested her to drop a card in the office in- 
forming him of our new location. 



The Traveling Trio 149 

The forenoon passed pleasantty and profit- 
ably; after procuring a permit from Mayor 
Wright, our party sold a few books while view- 
ing a portion of Tacoma. Among the objects 
of interest we did not see was the Old Town 
Church; the bell tower of this church is the 
oldest on the continent. It is a tree stump 
overgrown with ivy, and of great age, as indi- 
cated by its 600 rings. Upon this the bell 
was placed, forming a most unique bell tower. 

With the hour of noon we returned to the 
hotel, where to our surprise we found "Brown- 
Eyes" awaiting us. As usual I took dinner 
in our room, while Ruth and Dera ate theirs 
in the dining room. On this occasion the 
girls were joined by our friend, the magazine 
writer. After dinner our entire party visited 
the Salvation Army quarters and the City 
Hall. While in the latter we ascended to the 
fifth floor, which was as far as the elevator 
went. From this height we had a fine view 
of the water front, where a number of ships 
and steamers lay motionless. It was here 
that "Brown-Eyes" made use of his camera 
brought for that purpose. Some time was 
spent on this floor, where much of interest 
could be seen from the large windows. When 
weary of gazing on objects below, our party 



150 The Traveling Trio 

conversed on travel, and talked over past 
experiences of which many have been recorded 
in this volume. As the afternoon was slipping 
westward, our trio made preparations to do 
likewise, as we expected to leave on the next 
train. 



The Traveling Trio 151 




THE DISAPPEARANCE OF RUTH. 

SHORT ride brought us to the little 
|i village of Roy, where we were destined 
to pass many anxious hours. After 
Dera and I had been assisted from 
the baggage car, our trunks were thrown on 
the platform and the train rolled on its way. 
It was then that we discovered the absence of 
Ruth ; as she was not in sight, we supposed she 
had entered the depot for something, but a 
search failed to reveal her. The sudden turn 
of affairs filled us with great uneasiness as 
well as surprise, hence we lost no time in con- 
sulting the station agent. He gave us a grain 
of consolation by saying, if Ruth had been 
carried on by mistake, the conductor would 
undoubtedly send her back on the next train 
which was due in an hour. 

It was then supper time, so we proceeded to 
a hotel near by, not only for refreshments, but 
partly for a diversion of some kind. 

The eastbound train arrived when expected, 
but Ruth was not among its passengers. The 
hotel people were exceedingly kind, but their 



152 The Traveling Trio 

efforts to keep us at the hotel were in vain. 
The writer could not sleep or rest, until we 
had ascertained a clue of Ruth's whereabouts. 
It was about nine o'clock when Dera and I 
returned to the depot, where we found the 
door bolted, but after a volley of vigorous 
raps we were admitted by the young station 
agent. The door had been fastened for the 
purpose of keeping out tramps, having been 
frequently annoyed by them at that time. 
The agent took a brotherly interest in our 
party and the writer shall never forget his 
unlimited kindness. All through the long 
weary night he kept the wires working in our 
behalf. Several messages of inquiry were 
sent to towns along the line, but no one an- 
swering to Ruth's description had been seen. 

The agent succeded in reaching the con- 
ductor at a station some distance farther west ; 
his answer certified that the girl described had 
left the train at Roy. Now we knew this was 
untrue, so another message was sent to the 
moving conductor. While this was tran- 
spiring, Dera and I were trying to find comfort 
in the waiting room. 

It was one of those two-by-four places, 
bordered on three sides by hard unrelenting 
seats, rightly called the traveler's trial. 



The Traveling Trio 153 

In the center of this small waiting room 
stood a stove, whose heat producing qualities 
could not be surpassed. It was simply im- 
possible to get beyond the hot waves of that 
black monster, unless one moved out in the 
night air. 

But this was not the only thing we had to 
contend with; our second and worst annoy- 
ance was an intoxicated man, who spent the 
entire night in our presence. The young man 
was neatly attired in a fashionable suit of the 
day. We afterwards learned that he came 
from a prominent family in Tacoma, but owing 
to evil habits and a roving disposition, his 
father had publicly denounced him. 

After purchasing a ticket for Tacoma, the 
young man seated himself on our side of the 
waiting room. We paid no attention to him, 
and silence reigned, until he offered to hold 
Dera's cap she had removed from her head. 
This brought forth an indignant answer from 
her ladyship, which fortunately was received 
in the best of humor. His familiarity caused 
Dera some uneasiness, hence she drew back 
in the corner, so that the writer and her chair 
formed a barricade of safety in the foreground. 

Our fellow traveler then turned his atten- 
tion in my direction. Before lighting his 



154 The Traveling Trio 

cigarette he asked if smoke was offensive to 
me. When I honestly confessed too much was 
unpleasant, he agreed to be very careful in 
raising smoke. 

The writer supposed he would spend part 
of the night in sleep, but such was not the case, 
for he became more restless as well as thirsty. 
A number of trips were made for fresh water, 
obtained in a pail borrowed from the station 
agent. When not engaged in this manner he 
smoked or lighted cigarettes, which persisted 
in going out. 

Occasionally the fire received a series of 
pokes, despite the fact that it was already 
performing its duty. Each attack on the 
stove was followed by an inquiry as to whether 
I was too warm, if so, he would move me far- 
ther from the stove. Now for once I stretched 
the truth by answering in the negative. 

First, I did not care to accept his attentions, 
for on such occasions distance is the only 
thing that can lend a charm. Second, I knew 
it was impossible to move beyond the heat, 
except through the outside door. 

Anxiously we awaited the conductor's 
second message which came about midnight; 
it informed us that he had seen nothing of the 
missing girl. Such hopeless news received in 



The Traveling Trio 155 

the somber hours of the night was somewhat 
depressing. 

The telegram seemed to confirm the writer's 
fear that Ruth had been kidnaped before 
leaving Tacoma. If she was not on the west- 
bound train, where could the girl be, and 
should we find her? 

The problem was more than we could solve, 
so the long sleepless hours passed slowly by, 
as the preceding ones had done. When the 
third and last message had been sent to the 
conductor, a deeper silence settled on the 
depot. 

Dera fell asleep in her corner, and the agent's 
regular snore told of the rest he was taking. 
Our fellow traveler laid down on the seat, but 
just as the writer had decided it was safe to 
take a nap, if such a thing were possible, the 
young man suddenly arose as though sleep was 
his last intention. Therefore my eyes never 
closed that night, although I was nearly ex- 
hausted from anxiety and the loss of sleep. 
Someone has said it is always the darkest 
before dawn, so it proved in our experience. 

As the ebony-winged prince of night was 
about to take its flight, the station agent 
entered the waiting room with the conductor's 
last message. With eagerness mingled with 



156 The Traveling Trio 

dread we listened to what he had to say. It 
chanced to contain good news, however, in- 
forming us of Ruth's whereabouts. The 
telegram had reached the conductor a short 
distance east of Portland, where the trains 
are ferried across the Columbia River. Our 
third message proved more effective than the 
rest, for it aroused the ticket puncher into 
activity. By inquiry he learned that the 
brakeman had not helped Ruth from the train 
at Roy, as he had been requested to do. On 
making this discovery the conductor proceed- 
ed to search the train in quest of the missing 
girl; finally among the many passengers who 
had through tickets to Portland where the ex- 
position was then in progress, he found Ruth. 
On being questioned as to her destination she 
coolly informed the conductor that she was 
going to Roy. When he told Ruth that she 
was then about 150 miles west of that town, 
she expressed some surprise but was not at all 
frightened, as one would suppose. 

On reaching Portland the conductor wired 
the good news, with the assurance that Ruth 
would be sent back on the next train. Now 
strange though it may seem under the circum- 
stances, the writer actually had enough wits 
left to wire a request that Ruth be put off 



The Traveling Trio 157 

at Centralia, where we expected to go that 
day. 

It was a town thirty miles west of Roy, so 
one car fare of ninety cents was saved, yet it 
did not begin to compensate for the night's 
experience. 

As morning advanced and our fellow trav- 
eler became sober, he seemed somewhat 
ashamed of his degraded condition. 

But after our trying ordeal, to which he 
had contributed much, Dera and I did not 
hesitate in showing our disapproval of his 
conduct. In conclusion he received a brief 
temperance lecture, which may have fallen on 
desert air, yet if our well-meant words were 
not effective, we at least know that they were 
of temporary interest to the young man. 



158 The Traveling Trio 




A TRIP ON THE COLUMBIA RIVER. 

FTER three uneventful days spent in 
Centralia and Winlock, we reached 
Kalama, a hilly town of 600 inhabi- 
tants situated on the east side of the 
Columbia River. At this point where 
the trains are ferried across, the river is two 
and one half miles in width. 

After leaving the depot our trio proceeded 
up one of the business streets, or I should sa}^ 
we made a courageous attempt to reach the 
residence part of town, where a certain family 
kept boarders. The streets were actually so 
steep in places, that people bent forward and 
dug their heels in, in order to make the ascent. 
Therefore the girls had quite a time pushing 
the writer's chair up the incline. Like many 
places in Wallace, Idaho, were the highest 
points in Kalama. It was frequently neces- 
sary to mount a flight of stairs before reaching 
the property where some of the homes were 
erected. 

These people in their lofty positions not only 
had an opportunity to look down on their 



The Traveling Trio 159 

neighbors, but they also had an excellent view 
of the picturesque country. 

To our great displeasure we were obliged to 
accept a room on the second floor while in 
Kalama ; the apartment was all right, but the 
location was extremely inconvenient for the 
writer. 

On the eve after our arrival we view T ed a 
beautiful sight from the west window of our 
room, namely, the sunset on the Columbia 
River. Shortly before the golden disk vanished, 
a small cloud concealed it for a moment, still 
from beneath a cloud a stream of sunlight 
slipped to the river below. 

Quickly it spanned the dark waters, 
This lovely, bright ribbon of light, 

A bridge o'er which the wee fairies 

Might hurry to meet the fair night. 

On the afternoon of our sojourn in Kalama 
we took the steamboat, P. J. Potter, for Port- 
land, Oregon. The weather was very cool 
and misty, hence we spent our forty mile ride 
in the comfortable salon, where there were a 
number of passengers. As soon as the purser 
had collected our fare, we proceeded to get the 
best out of our trip which proved more pleas- 
ant than we had anticipated. 



160 The Traveling Trio 

Smoothly we glided up the great river, 
while afternoon receded with the passing 
scenes. 

When the time for meals arrived, many of 
the passengers took supper on the boat, but 
we preferred to wait until our destination was 
reached. 

Before coming to Portland harbor our boat 
passed through a draw bridge, which in opera- 
tion was something new to us. 

As the veil of twilight was softly falling the 
P. J. Potter drew up before the landing. 
Having never been in Portland before, our 
trio knew nothing whatever about the place 
or its accommodations. However we knew a 
great crowd invaded the city, for the Lewis & 
Clark exposition was drawing to a close. 

On the following day we intended to con- 
tinue our boat ride to Newberg, therefore our 
trio went on board the steamboat Ruth, which 
expected to start early in the morning. Under 
the circumstances we preferred a night on the 
water to one in the great city. In order to 
reach the boat it was necessary to cross a 
narrow plank. It was over this uncertain 
footing, that two sailors bore the writer in 
her chair. 

As we were about to start one of the car- 



The Traveling Trio 161 

riers requested a third sailor to hold the plank 
steady so it would not slip. The remark gave 
me an impression that my position was not 
the safest in the world. 

On reaching the boat it was discovered that 
my chair was a trifle too wide for the narrow 
stairway, but the jolly boatman soon found 
a way out of our difficulty. In a few minutes 
the wheels and axle were removed which ena- 
bled the chair to pass up the stairway without 
danger of being stuck. 

Some of my readers may fancy that our 
accommodations were far from desirable, but 
such was not the case. 

Shortly after our arrival on the boat, a 
delicious lunch was prepared us by the steward. 
The long trip and the lateness of the hour 
enabled us to enjoy the meal with genuine 
appetites. 

The rest of the evening passed quickly and 
pleasantly, the only outside interruption being 
the steamboats which occasionally passed. 
As their electric flashlights swept the harbor, 
they streamed through the salon windows, 
almost blinding us with their glare. 

Dera and Ruth had a refreshing night's rest 
in the stateroom they occupied, but the writer 

11 



162 The Traveling Trio 

did not fare so well. Once more my chair 
behaved badly and refused to enter the girls' 
stateroom, hence I was obliged to do the next 
best thing, which was to remain in the salon 
near their open door. The writer was not 
afraid, but the newness of our surroundings 
made me somewhat nervous. All through 
the long night the watchman's tread could be 
heard in different parts of the boat, while the 
silence was frequently broken by the whistle 
of some steamboat, which in passing caused 
our boat to rock gently in the swell. 



The Traveling Trio 163 



A STEAMBOAT RIDE ON THE 
WILLAMETTE RIVER. 

jgsjiS HE next morning after a good break- 

iPlii fest no hotel could excel, we started 
on our journey down the Willamette 
river. About fifteen miles from Port- 
land we enjoyed a new experience of forty 
minutes duration, while passing through the 
Oregon City locks. As soon as the massive 
gate closed behind us, the water banked up 
until our boat was raised to a certain height, 
then we passed through the second gateway, 
which in turn was closed to hold the water. 

In this manner we passed three gates and 
reached the desired height which enabled the 
Ruth to continue on her way. 

During the forenoon we stopped a number 
of times to accommodate passengers, or to 
take on wood, which was used to navigate the 
boat. 

As we steamed up the Willamette river, a 
variety of picturesque scenes unrolled before 
us, many of which were woodland views, most 
beautifully arrayed in autumn shades. 



164 The Traveling Trio 

Afternoon overtook us before our pleasant 
ride of twenty-six miles came to an end at 
Newberg. The landing was a woodsy nook 
with a hilly background and a water front. 
The pretty town of Newberg was situated a 
mile from the boat landing. It had a popula- 
tion of one thousand, many of whom were 
Christian people, the class that make strangers 
feel they are not in a far country. 

This thriving little town is located in Che- 
halem valley. It has been frequently called 
the white city by travelers, because of the 
quantity of white paint used on its buildings. 

On his tour of inspection, the visitor will 
find much of interest in Newberg. It claims 
distinction of having more manufactories than 
any town in the state twice its size. Among 
the eleven manufactories is a pressed brick 
concern, the only one in the state. 

The town also possesses a public school, the 
Friends College and seven churches. One of 
the chief industries in the productive valley is 
hop growing. No other crop has yielded such 
returns or given so much employment to the 
willing workers in that vicinity. 

Within two miles from Newberg is found 
the great Dundee prune orchard, which is 
considered the largest in the world. In con- 



The Traveling Trio 165 

nection with this is an evaporation plant, 
capable of handling the crop. Among other 
delicious fruits raised with infinite success is 
the cherry. One of these old trees has become 
quite renowned. It was planted in 1860, is 
forty feet high and fifty feet across its branches 
and it has frequently produced a ton of cher- 
ries at one picking. 

Nut culture has also received much at- 
tention in that locality, the soft-shelled wal- 
nut being raised with gratifying results. 

It is known to the credit of Newberg that no 
saloons have ever marred its business section. 

In this prosperous town our trio spent a 
pleasant week visiting Nebraska friends, whom 
the writer had not seen for years. The family 
had but two children at home, a brilliant 
young lady who taught in the public schools, 
and a dear little girl of four years. Vera was 
one of those sweet, well-behaved children, who 
had received the best of training. In fancy 
I see her yet as she chatted gayly while sitting 
on the arm of my chair. It is needless to say 
that her winning ways soon won the hearts of 
our entire trio. Shortly after our arrival in 
Newberg, Dera received another letter from 
"Brown-Eyes," who was taking in the Lewis 
& Clark Exposition. He expected to con- 



166 The Traveling Trio 

tinue southward in a few days and hoped to 
see us again before we reached Ashland. Be- 
cause of the pleasure obtained in previous 
trips on the water, there was no hesitancy in 
choosing the steamboat route to Salem. 

On the forenoon of our departure we bade 
our friends an early good-bye in order to catch 
the boat. After a weary wait of several 
hours the Pomona arrived. It was then past 
the dinner hour and as our trio had forgotten 
to secure a lunch, we were obliged to refresh 
ourselves on sunshine and Oregon's gentle 
breezes. Among the many passengers was 
a lady who carried a large cage, containing 
seventeen canaries of different shades; it was 
indeed beautiful to hear and see the active 
band of feathered pets. 

Once more the grandeur of autumn un- 
folded as we glided southward on the Wil- 
lamette river. It w r ould be impossible to de- 
scribe the woodsy spots with their exquisite 
foliage. Some of the trees were arrayed in 
gorgeous colors, while others wore a mantle 
of delicate shades. 

During the afternoon we became acquainted 
with a number of congenial people, one of 
whom was a young man employed on the boat. 
From the writer's point of view he was meant 



The Traveling Trio 167 

to fill a higher position in the world, for he 
possessed those pleasing traits and refine- 
ment of culture which raises a young man 
above the level. 

We also had an interesting interview with 
the engineer, who told us much concerning 
the Pomona and her mode of operation. His 
young wife frequently accompanied him on 
these trips and her knowledge of the boat en- 
abled her to navigate the Pomona as well as he. 
When the supper hour arrived our trio lost 
no time in joining the consumers. The ab- 
sence of dinner made supper doubly welcome. 

Several hours later when our boat touched 
the Salem pier, everything was shadowed by 
the wings of night. By the help of electric 
lights and a few inquiries we soon were located 
in a cottage hotel. 

Salem is a thriving little city of 14,000 in- 
habitants, situated on the main line, fifty- 
three miles south of Portland. It is the 
capital of the state and the county seat of 
Marion county. However, our trio's brief 
sojourn in the city made it impossible to in- 
dulge in sight seeing. The fact that we were 
nearing our destination, served to spur us 
onward. Hence our party spent but little 
time in the next few places. 



168 The Traveling Trio 




OUR INTRODUCTION TO ASHLAND. 

UR last stop was in Roseberg, whose 
floral name is suggestive of the beauti- 
i ful. It was the twentieth of October 
but the roses were still blooming and 
the pampas plumes were nodding gayly in the 
autumn breeze. 

In this pretty town of four thousand in- 
habitants, our trio spent one day in a pleasant 
and profitable manner. 

That evening before our train arrived, a 
dispatch was sent to Ashland relatives, in- 
forming them of our approach. 

Our last trip was somewhat lengthy, but 
we did not enjoy it as on former occasions. 
Our trio were too drowsy from loss of sleep 
the night previous, and too anxious to meet 
our relatives, some of whom we had never 
seen. When the train stopped at Goldhill, 
the writer supposed we were nearing Ashland, 
but, alas, there were about thirty miles yet to 
cover. As the rest of our trip was up grade 
the train was provided with another engine 
at this place. 



The Traveling Trio 169 

It was midnight when we reached Ashland 
and being unable to recognize our relatives, 
we left that for them to do. A moment after 
our arrival, two young men stepped forward 
to inform us they were our cousins. One was 
married and had a store near the depot, while 
the other was still enjoying single blessedness 
at home. 

A long walk through the chilly night air 
brought us to Uncle's home, where Auntie 
and Cousin Mae were awaiting us. We were 
comparative strangers, but it did not take 
long to become acquainted. 

The next morning before our toilet was 
completed, Uncle Robert swept into our room 
with an avalanche of welcome that almost 
took our breath away. He was a tall, stately 
old gentleman, who never did things by 
halves. 

After breakfast we were shown around the 
premises, where much of interest was seen 
and heard. 

When Auntie phoned the news of our 
arrival to Grandma, who resided in the oppo- 
site side of town, she insisted on our coming 
over before dinner. 

It was a beautiful Sabbath day, and the 
church bells were ringing when we started on 



170 The Traveling Trio 

our long walk, accompanied by our single 
cousin, Lee. He was one of those lively young 
fellows, who made sunshine in the home when- 
ever he entered. 

When part way there we met five more 
relatives, who were going to church. Right 
here let me say, at that time we had seventeen 
relatives in Ashland and four in Medford, 
twelve miles distant. It is needless to de- 
scribe the meeting with Grandma, whom the 
writer had not seen for fourteen years; Ruth 
could not remember her at all, for she was 
only one year old when our grandparents 
moved out west. 

For two reasons our arrival in Ashland was 
not much of a surprise. First, our mother 
had mentioned the western trip, when writing 
to our folks. Second, a quantity of the 
writer's mail addressed in the care of Grandma 
had reached Ashland in advance of the Ne- 
braska trio. 



The Traveling Trio 171 



EIGHT MONTHS IN ASHLAND. 

^M EFORE continuing let me give you a 
^jljjf brief description of Ashland. It is a 
* picturesque little city of five thou- 
!j sand inhabitants, situated in the Rogue 
River valley, three hundred and forty-one 
miles south of Portland, and four hundred and 
thirty-one miles north of San Francisco. Ash- 
land is framed in pineclad mountains, the 
highest of which is Ashland Butte. At this 
point the valley is too narrow for farming, 
but it is a rich mining, fruit-raising, and 
agricultural district, while near the city are 
two health-giving springs, one soda, and the 
other sulphur. 

Ashland is widely known as a health resort, 
because of its mild climate and high altitude, 
the elevation being three thousand feet. It is 
also the educational center of southern Ore- 
gon, having two large and modern public 
schools, one commercial college, and a state 
normal school. The city's excellent water 
supply is drawn from Ashland Creek, a clear 
mountain stream, which rushes through the 
business part of Ashland. 



172 The Traveling Trio 

It was in this beautiful location with its 
abundance of luscious fruit and its profusion of 
lovely flowers, that we passed eight pleasant 
months. 

The first few weeks were spent in Grandma's 
cottage, then we adjourned to the home of our 
uncle and aunt where we spent most of our 
time. 

At Christmas time there was a happy re- 
union of relatives, nineteen members being 
present. After a bountiful dinner of good 
things, the Christmas tree was lighted in the 
darkened parlor. With eager joylit faces the 
entire party gathered around, while the 
presents were removed and the names read. 
Everyone was well remembered, from Grand- 
ma to the baby girls, Harriet and Marguerite. 
The only drawback to the never-to-be-for- 
gotten Christmas, was the absence of our 
home folks in Nebraska. 

On the second day of January, Ruth and I, 
accompanied by Cousin Mae visited a week 
with cousins at Medford. The schools were 
then having the usual vacation, so Ruth was 
able to leave without missing. Cousin Mae, 
who taught in the public schools, could also 
leave without inconvenience on her part. 
Dera who was also attending school, spent 



The Traveling Trio 173 

the winter with friends on the opposite side 
of Ashland ; therefore we did not see her very 
often. The day after our return from Med- 
ford, she called to inform us " Brown-Eyes" 
was in the city. He had spent the previous 
evening with her and from what she said, we 
fancied there was more than friendship be- 
tween them. 

On February first, our Grandma suddenly 
left this vale of tears, for a better world beyond 
the azure dome. Three days later her re- 
mains were laid to rest in the pretty cemetery. 
It was a calm sunny day and the whole world 
seemed rejoicing. The writer still remembers 
how the meadowlark sang in the nearby 
trees, as though trying to console the grief - 
stricken people who gathered there. Ruth 
and I were glad that we reached Ashland in 
time to visit Grandma before her death, which 
was unexpected. 

When Easter morning dawned, Auntie's 
household arose early, for we were invited to 
a nine o'clock breakfast given by a married 
cousin some distance away. It took some 
hustling to accept the invitation, but we 
managed to arrive in time for the Easter 
breakfast. The long walk through the fresh 
morning air only sharpened our appetites, 



174 The Traveling Trio 

hence we thoroughly enjoyed the meal, which 
was served in courses. 

One beautiful Sabbath day, we had a pleas- 
ant experience in the form of a picnic dinner. 
Uncle Robert took Ruth and Dera out to the 
Soda Springs where they had frequently 
wished to go. 

Auntie and I went to church after which 
we joined a party of relatives on their trip up 
the canyon. 

Our bachelor uncle who had always made 
his home with Grandma, had the pleasure of 
pushing my chair up the sloping path. About 
one mile from our starting point, we stopped 
in a woodsy place near a mountain stream ; it 
was in this peaceful, secluded spot where the 
crystal waters made music all the day, that we 
prepared and ate our wholesome dinner. 

The afternoon was pleasantly passed in 
reading, talking, and taking life easy; when 
evening approached and luncheon was over, 
we strolled down the canyon to Cousin's home, 
where we made ourselves presentable for 
church. 

Thus the delightful day passed, as all things 
do in this world. Right here let me mention 
my Auntie's front porch, on which the writer 
spent much of her time. It extended the width 



The Traveling Trio 175 

of the house and was covered with Virginia 
creepers and climbing roses; when the latter 
were in bloom the porch was indeed a bower 
of beauty for the Rene Marie roses were a deep 
shade of pink. 

At eventide I frequently enjoyed a quiet 
time on this appreciated porch. Among the 
many night sounds was the well-known frog 
chorus, which never failed to reach my ears. 
So often did I listen to these water songsters, 
that I actually missed them when we returned 
to Nebraska. 

Among the many things enjoyed while in 
Ashland were the fragrant violets blooming 
in Auntie's yard. On the fourteenth of Janu- 
ary Uncle Robert brought me a bunch of these 
dainty blossoms which prompted the writer to 
compose the poem entitled, "My Flower 
Friend." 

Another pleasure was derived from the 
latest library books, which Auntie and Cousin 
Mae read aloud when supper was over. About 
twenty volumes were perused during the 
winter months. 

If the reader is fond of fish, he should dwell 
in the western states, where mountain trout 
and fresh salmon are daily extracted from the 
great streams. There is nothing so delicious, 



176 The Traveling Trio 

in the writer's estimation, as a boneless slice 
of well cooked salmon. 

A short distance north of Medford on the 
Rogue river, may be found the Wray dam 
whose power furnishes the electric lights for 
Ashland. 

The trains often stop here for the benefit of 
their passengers, who find it interesting to 
watch the salmon climb up the ladders and 
over the dam. Our train once stopped in the 
evening, when the dam was all aglow with 
electric lights. The sight was indeed beautiful 
to behold. 

In the early spring our Nebraska uncle and 
his son went to Oregon for the purpose of 
looking up a favorable location. His wife 
and daughters did not follow until June, for 
the latter were attending the state normal. 

On April eighteenth our community was 
thrown into excitement by the news of the 
San Francisco earthquake. My readers have 
already heard and read of the great disaster, 
hence I will dwell but briefly on the subject. 
The people residing in the opposite side of 
Ashland felt the shock, despite the distance 
which lay between that city and the scene of 
destruction. The sulphur spring near town 
was affected by the quake, the volume of water 



The Traveling Trio 177 

was twice its usual size, so that a larger pipe 
had to be used; while the water which was 
clear as crystal, became quite rily in appear- 
ance. Ashland like many other places, was 
quick to respond when the call for help was 
received. Later on a great many of the ref- 
ugees were fed, as they passed through Ash- 
land on their way north. At one time two 
cars containing children made the usual 
twenty minutes stop in our city. The little 
ones were being taken to a children's home, 
many of them having been deprived of parents 
by the earthquake. A number of Ashland people 
went to the depot, to view the pathetic band of 
children, who were of all ages. Several of the 
little ones found permanent homes in our city, 
having been adopted by kind-hearted people. 

It was the latter part of April, when Dera 
came over to announce her engagement to 
"Brown-Eyes"; they had kept up a lively 
correspondence during the winter, while he 
was viewing the grand scenes of Oregon and 
California. As they did not believe in long 
engagements, the wedding day was set for 
September first. 

Finally the beautiful month of May arrived, 
with its new supply of fruit and flowers. As 
12 



178 The Traveling Trio 

the last week was drawing to a close, there 
were the usual commencement excercises in 
the high school. Dera was among the sweet 
graduates, so we took a greater interest in the 
program than we would have done at any 
other time. 

When school closed, Dera and I took a trip 
down the valley in the interest of my literary 
work, while Ruth visited a friend in Grant's 
Pass. After spending a day in Gold Hill and 
Central Point, we retraced our trip to Med- 
ford, where several days were pleasantly 
passed with relatives. The writer's cousin 
was an intellectual young woman, having 
spent several years of her single blessedness 
as a school teacher. Her husband was an 
energetic young fellow with a cheerful dis- 
position, which frequently overflowed in a 
merry laugh, that did one good to hear. 
This particular cousin had a store in Medford 
and he was also a dealer in timber land, so his 
time was fully occupied. The other members 
of the household were two sweet little girls, 
who were not long in winning the love of their 
Nebraska cousins. 

Never before had I the opportunity of be- 
holding as many roses at one time ; the pretty 
yard contained a variety of roses of every shade 



The Traveling Trio 179 

and size, some of which had to be plucked 
from the top of a step ladder, so high were 
the bushes on which they grew. Besides the 
climbing roses adorning both porches, there 
were the beautiful La France and Mareschal 
Neil, these were foremost among the writer's 
favorites, although I admired them all. It 
would be simply impossible for one to de- 
scribe the beauty and fragance which prevailed 
in that yard. But one thing is certain, the 
writer saw a larger quantity of roses on my 
cousin's premises, than were ever seen in one 
summer while in Nebraska. 



180 The Traveling Trio 




OUR RETURN HOME. 

N June nineteenth our trio made prep- 
arations to take the midnight train 
for our home trip. We planned to 
return by the southern route, which 
was entirely new to us. Finally our 
last day in Ashland, with its excitement and 
extra tasks, came to a sad close. Ruth and I 
had become attached to our western relatives, 
so that we regretted exceedingly to bid them 
good-bye. It was hardest to leave Auntie, 
who had proved a second mother to us ; I shall 
never forget the many pleasures and comforts 
she added to our sojourn in Ashland. In the 
writer's estimation, the Auntie in question is 
truly the best woman in the state of Oregon. 
When midnight drew near and the last fare- 
wells were spoken, we started for the depot 
accompanied by Cousin Lee and our bachelor 
uncle. On making inquiries in regard to a 
permit to travel in the baggage car, the agent 
informed us it would be impossible to obtain 
such a thing, because of the dangerous road 
over which we must travel. As everything 



The Traveling Trio 181 

was arranged for our departure, we felt that 
it would be best to leave that night. 

The agent suggested that I take a berth in 
the sleeper, and have my chair expressed 
through, which was contrary to our plans. 
As I spent my entire time in a rolling chair, 
whether at home or abroad, it seemed im- 
possible to travel in any other way; at that 
time I was not as strong as usual, therefore 
my long trip could be better enjoyed and en- 
dured if I remained in my chair, where fresh 
air could easily be secured through the bag- 
gage car door. The obliging agent did his 
best for our party by wiring a second time to 
headquarters. As the light of our train 
appeared in the distance, the agent approached 
with the superintendent's message. Only on 
one condition would he grant the desired per- 
mit, namely that I sign an agreement not to 
hold the railroad company responsible if any- 
thing should happen. As we were determined 
to leave that night, I lost no time in complying 
with the requirement. 

The latter part of the night w T as spent in 
crossing the Siskiyou mountains, but darkness 
prevented us from seeing the dangers over 
which our train safely bore us. However, I 
knew we were passing through a horseshoe 



182 The Traveling Trio 

tunnel and across a trestle bridge, to say noth- 
ing of other uncertain places, where there had 
been a number of accidents during the winter. 
Every now and then the agent's words would 
flit through my mind, making sleep a series of 
naps. 

When morning dawned our trio spent some 
time in viewing the beautiful scenery before 
us. We were then in California rolling along 
in sight of Mt. Shasta, with its mantle of 
snowy splendor. It reminded the writer for 
all the world of a large frosted cake, until 
transformed by the rising sun. Old Mt. 
Shasta's grandeur was then enhanced by a 
rosy flush, which played for some time on its 
crust of purity. 

Later on Ruth entered the baggage car and 
we ate our first meal from the bountiful lunch 
Auntie had prepared. As our tickets allowed 
us a side trip to San Francisco, we for two 
reasons felt like taking advantage of the same. 

First, the stricken city was being rapidly 
rebuilt, and we would never again have the 
opportunity of viewing the scene of destruc- 
tion, as it was about two months after the 
earthquake. 

Second, our trio had never beheld the grand 
old ocean and it seemed a shame to leave the 



The Traveling Trio 183 

golden west without a glimpse of the rolling 
deep. Therefore we decided to take the side 
trip mentioned. 

As evening advanced we reached the strait 
north of Oakland; over this our train with 
several others was safely conveyed across the 
water on a large ferry boat. Some distance 
farther on, another picture from nature's art 
gallery came to our vision. This was the 
sunset on the bay, an indescribable scene of 
tranquil loveliness, which brightened the eye 
and called forth exclamations of admiration 
from our trio. 

Finally we reached Oakland, where "Brown- 
Eyes" met us as he and Dera had planned. 

The depot was about two miles from the busi- 
ness center, but as trains ran up and down for 
the people's convenience, we soon reached the 
vicinity of hotels. "Brown-Eyes" was well 
acquainted with the city, having frequently 
visited an uncle residing there. On this occa- 
sion he was spending a few days with the rela- 
tive, whom he had not seen for some time. 

After leaving the train, we walked several 
blocks in order to reach a certain hotel. 

The evening was pleasant and the streets 
were brilliantly lighted by electricity, hence 
our brief outing was an enjoyable one. The 



184 The Traveling Trio 

only vacant room in the hotel mentioned was 
on the second floor. We accepted the apart- 
ment, but owing to the fact that there had 
been a slight earthquake three days prior to 
our arrival, we had some doubts as to whether 
the morning would find us on the second floor. 
Early the next forenoon as we were making 
preparations for a trip to San Francisco, 
"Brown-Eyes" called to accompany us thither. 



The Traveling Trio 185 



A GLIMPSE OF SAN FRANCISCO. 



Wf9 



S we were being ferried across the bay, 
the writer could not help but won- 
der how many victims of the fire, 
lay beneath the water's smooth sur- 
face. This thought sprang from a report 
which was received shortly after the earth- 
quake. It was said that so numerous were 
the dead bodies, that it was impossible to 
give them the proper burial, therefore they 
received a watery grave in the bay. After 
arriving in San Francisco our party was for- 
tunate in finding a street car, with wide side 
doors, which admitted my chair. In this 
fashion we took a seven mile ride through the 
stricken city, where naught but blackened 
destruction met our eyes. The highest frame 
standing was that of the Call building, which 
somewhat resembled a skeleton, as it stood 
outlined against the sky. 

Among the pathetic scenes was the park of 
suffering humanity; it was there twenty-five 
hundred refugees were still being fed by the 
government — a large crowd of sad, homeless 



186 The Traveling Trio 

people, many of whom had lost all they pos- 
sessed in the great disaster. 

Our lengthy car ride ended at the Cliff 
House, still standing in its old accustomed 
place, despite the report of its downfall. We 
were told the interior had been greatly dam- 
aged by the earthquake, so the building was 
locked to prevent people from entering. 

We quickly sought the beach below where 
part of the day was spent in a delightful man- 
ner. To the writer it was inspiring to watch 
the white-capped waves chase one another 
to land, where they broke on the sand with a 
musical splash. 

Then there was the deep roar of the ocean, 
mingled with other pleasing sounds, that one 
would never tire of hearing. 

When the noon hour arrived we ate our 
lunch on the beach, as did many others. To 
our party it was a pleasant novelty, this 
picnicing before the great Pacific, whose salty 
breezes cooled the atmosphere. 

When lunch was over, "Brown-Eyes" made 
use of his camera by taking a number of views, 
many of which were quite laughable. Some 
of the ease-loving people sat in groups on the 
beach, others strolled leisurely about, while a 
few who had donned bathing suits were in the 



The Traveling Trio 187 

water furnishing entertainment for the on- 
lookers. There were also a number of bare- 
footed children, whose merry shouts and 
laughter told of the pleasure they found in 
wading. 

About three o'clock as the tide was coming 
in, we thought it advisable to start for Oak- 
land. Our trio was only allowed one day in 
the city, and the tickets which had been de- 
posited with the station agent, would prove 
of no value if we failed to take the six o'clock 
train. 

When our party proceeded to leave the 
beach, it was found impossible to roll my 
chair through the deep sand. But this dif- 
ficulty was soon overcome by a Brow T n-Eyes" 
and another gentleman, who carried the writer 
up the sandy incline. After purchasing cold 
drinks from a convenient stand, we took a car 
for the ferry building. When part way there 
our car gave out and no amount of tinkering 
could induce it to move, therefore the passen- 
gers were transferred to another car before our 
party had time to disembark. This made it 
necessary for us to wait on the street corner 
until another car came that way, which some- 
what delayed our arrival at the Union Depot 
in Oakland. 



188 The Traveling Trio 

However, we had plenty of time in which 
to make preparations for our departure, and 
the eastbound train bore the traveling trio in 
the direction of their home. 

The writer shall never forget the kindness 
shown her party by the train crew, who did 
their uttermost to make our return trip a 
pleasant one. At the end of every division 
we were provided with a new crew, all of 
whom were perfect gentlemen. 

Several times the baggage-master gave up 
his cot to my companion, in order that she 
might have a good night's rest; the lights were 
turned out on our side of the car, hence we 
enjoyed the night as well as the day. 

One noon while Dera was making the writer 
some tea on an alcohol lamp before preparing 
our lunch, the baggage-master presented us 
with half a cake and pitcher of iced tea which 
he had made. Another time the conductor 
sent in a box of chocolates and some fruit he 
had purchased from the newsboy. One even- 
ing as the train made its usual stop for supper, 
Dera visited the depot hotel to obtain some- 
thing fresh in the eatable line. The baggage- 
master and brakeman also purchased a number 
of good things, after which we four had a 
sumptuous meal in the baggage car. 



The Traveling Trio 189 

One night and part of a day were spent in 
crossing the Nevada desert. It was extremely 
warm when the sun shone, but after dark a 
chill crept over the landscape, and one needed 
plenty of wraps. 

However, this barren locality had proven 
to be the train robbers' favorite field of opera- 
tion. Each time after a hold-up, the robbers 
mounted their swift horses and sped away, 
leaving the occupants of the train compara- 
tively helpless, as they had no way of follow- 
ing the band. 

In connection with this the train men told 
us that the railroad company had devised a 
plan to capture the desperadoes, if they ever 
repeated their daring act. 

The road along this line was provided with 
the block system, which made safe traveling 
more of a certainty, as far as wrecks were 
concerned. 

One night our train suddenly stopped and 
there were loud exclamations, as well as shoot- 
ing outside the baggage car. We naturally 
supposed it was the prelude to a hold-up, but 
one of the train men told us five tramps had 
been forced to leave the train. 

At another time one white man and one 



190 The Traveling Trio 

negro were removed from the top of the bag- 
gage car. 

Farther on we crossed eighteen miles of the 
Great Salt Lake, which was an interesting 
novelty to our trio. When the center was 
reached there was water on all sides and the 
swish of the wavelets against the track was 
pleasant to hear. 

On our return trip the girls were permitted 
to pass from baggage car to coach whenever 
desired. This made it necessary for them to 
pass through the buffet, dining car and sleeper, 
which divided our party. 

Shortly after leaving Green River, Dera 
decided to make Ruth a visit; her surprise 
can be imagined when she found there was no 
coach to our section. The train had been 
divided in two parts, and Ruth was on the 
second section. We had the tickets in our 
possession, therefore Dera and I were a little 
uneasy as to Ruth's outcome, but the kind 
conductor made it all right by wiring to the 
ticket puncher on Ruth's section. Shortly 
after midnight Dera and I reached Cheyenne, 
where several hours were spent before the 
appearance of Ruth. 

Two days prior to our arrival in this city, 
the writer received something in one of her 



The Traveling Trio 191 

eyes, which became very painful before we 
reached Cheyenne. When daylight came we 
called the railroad physicion, who quickly 
extracted a small sliver from the optical organ, 
as well as sixteen bits from the writer's purse. 

Our next stop was in Denver, where we 
spent several hours in the great depot, because 
of the inclement weather which prevented us 
from seeing the city. It was here that our 
trio was greeted by the old familiar sound of 
thunder, the first we had heard since leaving 
Nebraska. It will be remembered there are 
no electric storms in the west, the absence of 
which was greatly appreciated by the writer. 

On Sunday forenoon we reached Lincoln, 
Nebraska, where our trio visited with old 
friends until the following day. We then took 
the train for our home town, Tecumseh. The 
writer's family did not expect us that day, 
hence our arrival was something of a surprise. 
The reader can imagine the rest, for after an 
absence of eleven months, there is much to be 
told as well as seen. 



192 The Traveling Trio 



CONCLUSION. 

j HERE is little more to say in regard 
IP11I to the traveling trio, who have been 
separated since our return to Ne- 
braska. 

On September first Dera and ' 'Brown-Eyes' ' 
were united in marriage as previously planned. 
They are now r happily settled in an eastern 
city, where "Brown-Eyes" acts the part of 
literary critic on the magazine for which he 
once traveled. 

The writer and her sister Ruth are still at 
at home, which is now in Genoa, Nebraska. 
Thus ends the account of our western trip, 
with its humorous experiences and serious 
events. May the same interest and amuse 
the perusers of this volume, is the wish of the 
once traveling trio. 

MY FLOWER FRIEND. 

1 
Oh list to me sweet violet, 

Fairest blossom ever seen, 
While I sing to thee a ballad, 

Full of love I would not screen. 



The Traveling Trio 193 

2 

Such a dainty bit of sweetness, 

Clad in beauty ever rare, 
With thy shy face half averted, 

As though meekly bowed in prayer. 

3 
To behold thee is to love thee, 

Thou art small but very great, 
Hence my heart by thee is captured, 

Wooed by flowery fate. 

4 
Just a modest little blossom, 

Growing 'neath the foot of man, 
Yet thou hast a lovely mission, 

In the great Creator's plan. 

5 
Long I feast upon thy beauty, 

Freshened by the recent rain, 
May I also come forth better, 

After life's tempestuous strain. 

6 
Just the briefest bit of heaven 

Come to cheer a lonely day, 
Mine to love and mine to cherish, 

Till thou fadest quite away. 

7 
Ah, methinks I hear a whisper, 

Soft as any seraph's voice, 
Tis the blossom's fragrant answer, 
I too, love thee, so rejoice. 
13 



194 The Traveling Trio 



MISS DELAY'S BLACK DIAMOND. 

|>gfl|| HERE were two things always to be 

IPIli found at the Brownville store, to the 
great annoyance of the lady customers. 
These staple goods or unpleasantries 
were idle men and tobacco smoke. 

On this particular night there was an in- 
crease of both, because of the dark stranger 
who posed as a doctor, although he had not 
yet hung out his shingle. 

Presently the heavy door creaked on its 
frosty hinges and big Tim shuffled into their 
midst. The chorus of voices that greeted 
him, and his hearty response plainly told the 
stranger that the newcomer was a favorite 
among the loafers. 

The big Irishman was popular, not only 
because of his unlimited wit and humor, but 
because he was the village news budget. 

Big Tim never failed to contribute a delicious 
bit of gossip, thanks to his communicative * 
wife who had a way of prying into other 
people's affairs, until she frequently learned 
more than really existed. 



The Traveling Trio 195 

But alas, the noisy little O'Briens were 
were sadly neglected by their mother, while 
the dilapidated place which they called home 
was a picture of filth and disorder. 

"Well Tim, have you any news tonight?" 
asked a bystander, as the big Irishman seated 
himself on a dry-goods box and began filling 
his old cob pipe. A good natured grin was the 
only answer, for nothing could draw Tim's 
attention from his constant companion. When 
the pipe had been filled and lighted, he pro- 
ceeded amid clouds of smoke to unfold his 
news. 

"I tell you, boys, it is the greatest thing ever 
happened in Brownville, beats any fairy tale 
you ever heard; for it's true. You boys all 
know Miss Delay, livin' in the big white house 
on the hill; well, she has found a black dia- 
mond, the regular thing, worth a powerful 
sum of money, they say." 

"Well I'll be dumb blasted," exclaimed a 
bystander; while the dark stranger glanced 
quickly up, taking a sudden interest in what 
Tim was saying. 

"I don't know where she keeps the valuable 
stone, but my wife said she kept lookin' at the 
book case, like there was something there. 

"When my wife asked her if she wasn't 



196 The Traveling Trio 

afraid of burglars, seein' so many houses had 
been broken in, Miss Delay only laughed and 
said she wasn't afraid of an}^ man." 

The next night while the little village was 
wrapt in slumber, a dark figure might have 
been seen approaching the big house on the 
hill; for a moment it paused by the front 
window through which a dim light was visible, 
then with caution it crept around to the back 
door. 

The stars played peek-a-boo behind the 
dark clouds and the March wind shrieked 
wildly about the silent figure at work on the 
stubborn lock. Finally the door yielded 
beneath the skillful hands and with great 
stealth he entered the quiet kitchen. 

For a moment the dark figure listened 
intently, then satisfied that no one was stir- 
ring, he lighted a match by whose rays a door 
leading into an adjoining room was located; 
with noiseless steps the burglar made his way 
across the kitchen and through the open door. 

At this point his progress was suddenly 
checked; he had never been imaginative, 
neither was he superstitious; but nevertheless 
his courage was somewhat shattered by the 
unexpected sight from the depths of a dark 
corner. Two fiery eyes glared at him for an 



The Traveling Trio 197 

instant, then with several terrible blinks they 
vanished. 

What the lights were, or where they had 
gone, was more than he could tell, but one 
thing was sure, he had come in quest of the 
black diamond and that he would find at any 
cost. 

By careful inquiry the dark figure had 
learned that the important bookcase stood in 
the third room on the right, therefore he 
proceeded in that direction. Presently he 
he came in contact with a door which was 
fortunately ajar; as it swung open he discov- 
ered a flight of steps leading upward, it was the 
stairway instead of the room he was looking 
for. 

With the speed of a snail he turned to re- 
trace his steps, when, horrors ! there appeared 
on the stairs the same fiery orbs he had seen 
before; they seemed to be coming nearer. 
Could it be the evil one himself? It was more 
than the dark figure cared to face; hence he 
made haste to leave the hall regardless of the 
commotion w T hich ensued. 

When safely beyond the focus of those shin- 
ing balls, the chill left his backbone and he 
felt more like resuming work. 

Never before in his existence had the dark 



198 The Traveling Trio 

figure been so disturbed. After several mo- 
ments spent in listening, he assured himself that 
no one was coming and started out in the right 
direction. 

The next door, as luck would have it, was 
closed tightly, but the possibility of a black 
diamond on the opposite side was sufficient to 
spur him on. Slowly, with cautious movements 
the knob was turned and with a slight creak of 
disapproval the door opened to the desperado. 

Once more there was a pause with the same 
satisfactory results. All was well so far; this 
was certainly the third room on the right, 
where in the northeast corner the bookcase 
was supposed to stand. 

As this consoling thought passed through 
his mind, there was a rustle of paper in that 
very corner, followed by a peculiar noise not 
very pleasing to the listener, then all was quiet 
except the ticking of the clock. 

With courage undaunted the dark figure 
felt his way across the room, where his efforts 
were rewarded by finding the bookcase. 

The drawers were securely locked as ex- 
pected, so he drew a bunch of keys from' an 
inner pocket and began trying each one . While 
thus engaged he was startled by a slight sound 
above him and looking up he met the gaze of 



The Traveling Trio 199 

those evil eyes ; they seemed to be peering over 
the top of the bookcase like two phosphorus 
disks. 

The keys fell to the floor with a jingle and 
he staggered back, then without warning the 
fiery orbs and their owner landed on the head 
of the terrified man. 

With a cry of pain he made a grand rush for 
the door, which, alas, was closed. 

He was then astounded by a flood of light 
and a woman's voice. Turning quickly he 
saw in the opposite doorway a slender, white- 
robed figure ; one hand was on the electric but- 
ton, the other held a revolver which was 
pointed directly at him. Her dark eyes were 
fearless and her voice had a cold determined 
ring as she said, ' 'You are my victim and there 
is no use trying to escape, if you value that 
mutilated visage of yours. Oh, you need not 
turn your back on me, Dr. Plank, for I recog- 
nized you as soon as the light was switched on. 
Now I wish to know why you have entered my 
home in this manner ?" 

The obstinate doctor wiped the blood from 
his face in silence. This was more than the 
little lady could bear. With an indignant 
stamp of her foot she continued, "I have a 
a great notion to shoot you just for the fun of 



200 The Traveling Trio 

it, so if you wish to leave this place alive, I 
advise you to answer my question promptly." 

The doctor trembled slightly as he answered 
in a voice scarcely audible, "I came to find the 
black diamond." For an instant there was a 
puzzled expression on her face, then a smile 
dawned in the dark eyes and a merry laugh 
burst from the firmly set lips. 

"Ah, I understand now, Mrs. O'Brien started 
the whole thing and my precious Black Dia- 
mond has ended the affair. 

"How ridiculous that the name of my new 
pet should cause such a disturbance." Once 
more she laughed, glancing meanwhile at the 
beautiful cat, now busily smoothing its 
crumpled fur at her feet. 

"Well, Dr. Plank, the joke as well as the 
scratches seem to be on you, therefore you 
may go this time, but if you are ever seen in 
Brownville again, I shall have you arrested." 

TELL ME NOW. 

1 

Oft the human heart grows hungry 
For some tender word or smile, 

Yet the truth remains unspoken 
And one life is sad the while. 



The Traveling Trio 201 

Ah, life's burdens seem much lighter, 

And the way is not so drear, 
When we have a bit of Heaven 

In the love of someone near. 

2 

While the springtime birds are singing, 

In the leafy bowers of green, 
And the flowers sweet are blooming 

On fair nature's lovelit scene; 
While the busy bees are humming, 

And the breezes whisper low, 
Let me hear the sacred message 

Tell me what I long to know. 

3 

If you care for me a little 

If you hold for me but love, 
Let me hear it now, my darling, 

Ere I pass to realms above. 
Do not wait until the morrow, 

We may never see that time, 
Let me hear the sweet confession, 

While my eyes with joy may shine. 

4 
Wait not till my ears are deafened, 

To the music of your word, 
Till my lips care not for kisses, 

Or the love so long deferred. 
Give today the fragrant flower, 

Crown with joy the living brow, 
Help to make this earth an Eden, 

If you love me, tell me now. 



202 



The Traveling Trio 




Out 



UNFAIRLY WON. 

T is in the good old summer time at 
Newport when love, life and beauty 
are playing their sweetest melodies on 
the harp strings of nature, 
on the shimmering tide beneath 
heaven's sunlit blue, is a gayly painted skiff. 
It is headed toward a small island a short dis- 
tance from the mainland. 

We see on close inspection that the skiff 
contains two occupants; the oarsman is a 
serious looking young man, while his com- 
panion, well, of course she is a girl, one of those 
charming little coquettes who never permits 
a serious thought to enter her foolish little 
head. But she, the beautiful Fay LaGrange, is 
not wholly to blame for her shallow life. She 
was reared in the lap of luxury with fashion 
and pleasure for her guide books, hence it is 
not surprising that she is an aimless butterfly 
and a heartless flirt. Of course she has suitors 
galore, from the portly Judge Brown with his 
bald head and alluring bank account, to the 
handsome oarsman before her. Of all her 



The Traveling Trio 203 

admirers this season he is the favorite but she 
did not intend he should ever find it out. No, 
indeed, that would spoil everything. • 

Now it happened that this sensible Robert 
Gray with all his noble ideas had fallen captive 
to her charms. Yes, he is deeply in love with 
this frivolous girl despite the cruel manner in 
which she sometimes treats him. What is 
more he means to win the heartless beauty 
who delights in wounding her fellowmen. 
He would show her that he laughs best who 
laughs last. 

Presently she glances in his direction with 
one of those bewitching smiles. "Well, you 
you are certainly an interesting companion, so 
talkative. I know you have not spoken a 
dozen words since we left the beach. One 
would think from your ruffled brow that you 
were trying to solve some mathematical prob- 
lem. Now do say something for I hate stupid 
people." 

He answered her with a pair of expressive 
brown eyes but she failed to understand their 
meaning. 

"If you desire an afternoon of thought and 
quietude I would much rather have accepted 
Judge Brown's invitation, he is such a brilliant 
man and so entertaining*:" After these well 



204 The Traveling Trio 

aimed remarks she began humming a popular 
air with her eyes fixed dreamily on some dis- 
tant object. This was more than the young 
man cared to take in silence. He ceased 
rowing and leaned forward as he spoke. 

"The problem I was trying to solve is not 
in mathematics but in woman kind. It was 
you." 

The unexpected answer brought an ex- 
pression of surprise to her face but her voice 
retained its sweet composure as she said, "Oh, 
you ridiculous boy to waste so much brain 
power in trying to solve an impossiblity. It 
is needless to ask whether your efforts were 
successful, I already know that. You see it 
is a difficult problem which man has never 
been able to solve. To tell the truth we 
women frequentty find it hard to understand 
ourselves." 

A mischievous light glows in her azure eyes 
while the dimples play hide and seek in her 
fair cheeks. She wonders what he will say 
next. 

At this point the skiff touches land and 
without waiting for assistance the independent 
girl springs lightly overboard. She strolls a 
short distance along the beach then pauses near 
a large rock with her back toward the skiff. 



The Traveling Trio 205 

An observer would think from her attitude 
that she is deeply interested in the scene before 
her while, forsooth, the frivolous girl scarcely 
sees the shining beach with its picturesque 
background of cliffs and sky. Her shallow 
mind is occupied with thoughts of Robert 
Gray who presently joins her. He is greatly 
displeased with the little beauty and for an 
instant he is on the verge of telling her so but 
armed with the assurance that his time to play 
is near at hand he conceals his feelings beneath 
a mask of smiles and suggests that they stroll 
around the cliff where a better view may be 
obtained. A few moments later the opposite 
side is reached and Fay utters an exclamation 
of delight as she seats herself on a flat rock 
overlooking the ocean. 

"Oh, how perfectly delicious to find such a 
cosy seat where everything can be seen while 
we rest our weary bones! Just look at those 
little waves chasing each other to the shore! 
I just love to hear them break on the sand. It 
is such a soft, musical sound, but of course you 
don't enjoy that, men never do." 

At this point she apparently notices for the 
first time that he remained standing. "Oh, 
you self-sacrificing old bear! Why don't you 
sit down? I guess this seat is large enough 



206 The Traveling Trio 

for two if you feel disposed to occupy the same 
rock with me." 

He gladly accepts the invitation and for a 
time they sit in silence with their eyes on the 
rolling deep. The tide is coming in and he 
rejoices in the fact, for it is to be his accom- 
plice in carrying out the dearest wish of his 
life. The time for commencement arrives 
and manlike he begins to beat around the bush 
instead of going directly at it. 

"Fay, do you remember what I said to you 
yesterday morning while we were gathering 
shells on the beach?" 

"Well, I must admit that I have forgotten. 
You talked so much and said so little of im- 
portance. Now please don't expect me to 
reproduce everything heard for I am not a 
phonograph record if you do take me for one." 
She acted the role of injured innocence so per- 
fectly that the young man smiled in spite of 
her cutting words. He simply could not help 
it, yet the persevering lover had no intention 
of being baffled by the lady of his choice. 

"Fay, you are unfortunate in possessing such 
a treacherous memory; but can you not recall 
the new specimen of seaweed we found yester- 
day?" 



The Traveling Trio 207 

She nodded in the affirmative without look- 
ing in his direction. 

"Then you certainly remember the question 
asked. You can not forget so important a 
thing, although you postponed your answer. 
Now you know very well what I am alluding 
to and what is more I want your answer before 
we leave the island." 

A pink flush creeps over the girl's face and 
she becomes intently interested in the pebbles 
at her feet as she replies in slow, uncertain 
words, "Yes, I do remember something about 
it. You asked if I would enjoy studying 
botany and said that you would be my instruc- 
tor. Now I really would take pleasure in the 
study if you will promise not to scold when 
I forget.' ' 

Robert Gray was simply astounded at the 
the little actress by his side but remembering 
the past when on two occasions he had failed 
in telling the sweet old story he resolves that 
the third time should be a charm. After 
capturing one of her small white hands he ex- 
claims, "Fay, there is no one quite so provok- 
mgly dumb as the person who will not under- 
stand. You remember very well what I said. 
You know that I wish you to be more than a 



208 The Traveling Trio 

friend to me, something nearer and dearer, 
little girl." 

She raised her golden head and drew her 
hand shyly from his grasp. Once more the 
mischievous light was visible in her eyes as she 
sweetly said, "Robert, I am honestly sorry for 
you, you have spoken too late. You see 
sister Mae is to marry Dr. West next month 
and sister Beth, the dear child, is only ten 
years old. You would have to wait quite a 
while for her and then maybe she wouldn't 
have you." 

Before the bewildered lover could detain her 
Fay sprang from the rock with a merry laugh 
and started in the direction of their boat. 
"I'm going back to the mainland. Good-bye, 
you foolish boy." These were her farewell 
words, not much like the leave-taking of some 
girls he knew. 

The beach is now partly covered by water 
and the tide continues to rise. The young 
man follows in pursuit of his fair companion 
smiling wickedly the while. As she disap- 
pears around the cliff he hears an exclamation 
which does not seem to surprise him in the 
least. "Robert! Robert! Our boat is gone. 
Whatever shall we do? Oh, there it is danc- 
ing on the waves. Swim out and get it quick !' ' 



The Traveling Trio 209 

The young man shook his head decidedly. 
"I wouldn't spoil my new suit and run the 
risk of losing my life for all the boats of New- 
port. Just let her go to Honolulu if she likes. 
I don't care." 

The girl's face bore a frightened expression 
and her voice was full of pathos. She was no 
longer a saucy little coquette. "You must be 
insane, Robert. Don't you know at high tide 
that everything on this island is covered with 
water except the largest rocks? Oh, do get 
the boat, we shall both be drowned." Once 
more he shook his head. 

No, Fay, if we must be drowned like rats in a 
trap I would much rather die with you. It 
seems terrible for our young lives to end in 
this way, but after all it doesn't matter much. 
The ocean may be cruel but it can not be more 
cruel than you have been. 

She clung to his arm and there were tears in 
her eyes as she spoke, "Please stop talking in 
that doleful manner. You make me feel so 
creepy. See how fast the water is covering 
the beach ! Oh, I wish Judge Brown were here, 
he would save me I know." 

Robert Gray turns his head to conceal a 
smile, then he suggests that they mount a 



210 The Traveling Trio 

large rock so as to cheat the waves as long as 
possible. When they are safely located Fay 
says in the shyest of voices, "Robert, you are 
perfectly horrid to think me cruel, for I really 
don't mean to be. There is nothing cruel 
in a harmless flirtation and a girl must do 
something to pass away the summer. You 
are too exacting and a little old-fashioned in 
your ideas. Now there is Judge Brown, he 
flirts every day of his life, if he has a bald spot 
on his head." 

These remarks are apparently unheard by 
the young man. He is greatty interested in 
the waves which will roll higher and higher 
each moment. Presently his attention is 
turned to the frightened girl. He is touched 
by her agitated face and wishes he could undo 
what he has so recklessly done. A manly arm 
is placed about her and a tender voice is heard 
above the ocean's roar. 

"Fay, our position is far too serious for 
further nonsense. It is time we ceased this 
play of deception. Now before the ocean 
sweeps us from this rock I wish you to answer 
yesterday's question. It would be much 
easier to drown if I knew the truth." 

At the mention of death she trembled once 
more but the keen ears of her lover were quick 



The Traveling Trio 211 

to catch the much desired answer. The scene 
which follows can only be imagined, for there 
are no words to portray it. 

A little later our friends were rescued by a 
boatman as planned beforehand by "that 
horrid Robert Gray" who declared that all is 
fair in love and war. 

IS IT WRONG? 

When the long weary day has vanished, 

Through the dim portals of the west, 
When the shades of night prove a blessing 

To all who are sorely oppressed. 
Is it right, I oft times wonder, 

To be glad that the day has flown? 
Is it wrong for us to be thankful, 

We are one step nearer the throne? 



H 15 



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